The Chrysler Foundation Powers Up 2013 FIRST Robotics Season; Awards $6,400 to Western High School in Russiaville

January 3, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  As the 2013 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics season starts on Jan. 5, The Chrysler Foundation awarded a $6,400 grant to Western High School in Russiaville, Ind. The grant will help the team offset costs associated with items such as registration fees, parts and materials and team apparel.

Western High School, located near Chrysler Group’s Indiana Transmission Plant I and II, Kokomo Casting Plant and Kokomo Transmission Plant, is one of 25 schools nationally to receive grants totaling $147,000 from the Chrysler Foundation,the philanthropic arm of Chrysler Group LLC. The Chrysler Foundation will also award $29,000 in additional funds to boost the championship runs of teams qualifying to compete at the FIRST Championship, April 24-27, in St. Louis, Mo. In 2012, nine teams received additional funds. This year, The Chrysler Foundation has committed a total of $181,000 to FIRST teams and programs.

“The FIRST program is an ideal platform for inspiring the next generation of science and technology leaders that are vital to our industry as well as many others,” said Mark Chernoby, Head of Vehicle Engineering and Vice President - Executive Coordinator, Chrysler Group LLC. “We hope that by engaging students at an early age, we can provide the spark that inspires them to become tomorrow’s engineers.”

The Chrysler Foundation also awarded a $5,000 grant to the "FIRST in Michigan" program to support district and statewide robotics competitions.

“The Chrysler Foundation and Chrysler Group are proud to help students discover the rewards and excitement of education and careers in science, engineering, and technology,” said Jody Trapasso, Senior Vice President - External Affairs, Chrysler Group LLC and President - The Chrysler Foundation. “We are equally proud of our employees who generously mentor students and serve as competition coordinators.”

About FIRST
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build; self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.

About The Chrysler Foundation
During the past 60 years, The Chrysler Foundation has established a proud legacy of enriching the physical, educational and cultural needs of local communities in which Chrysler Group LLC conducts business. Chrysler employees also have a strong commitment to helping improve their communities by volunteering their time and talents in the places where we live and work.

The Chrysler Foundation embodies the values of the Company and its employees and, since its inception, has awarded more than $500 million in charitable grants.
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