Bosch awards $35,000 to educational organizations in Kentwood, Michigan

- Bosch commits funds to support three local organizations focused on enriching science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education - Grants support students and teachers in Kentwood and Grand Rapids schools - With Bosch’s support, local students are able to explore and develop interest in STEM and environmental fields FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Today, the Bosch Community Fund (BCF) announced it awarded a total of $35,000 in grants to three educational organizations in Kentwood and Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2014. These grants help BCF continue its mission to prepare the workforce of the future for careers in STEM-related fields. According to Jim Hagene, general manager, Fuel Systems, Robert Bosch LLC, “We are excited to partner with schools and academies in the Grand Rapids area to help promote STEM education.” Marc Stroebel, general manager, Emissions Systems, Robert Bosch LLC, added, “These grants will provide opportunities for students to get excited about STEM fields and, hopefully, these experiences will encourage them to pursue environmental and STEM-related careers.” Established in 2011, the Bosch Community Fund is a U.S.-based foundation that provides grants to local communities where Bosch has a presence. The following grants were awarded to three programs in the Kentwood and Grand Rapids communities: - Kent Career Technical Center: This $9,000 grant supported the purchase of a NAO humanoid robot and associated curriculum utilized by the Information Technology Program at Kent Career Technical Center. Goals of this project include: providing students with experience using a software development kit, ensuring that students understand that a robot/CPU needs software to make it work, and attracting more young women to computer programming. - Kentwood Public Schools: This $10,000 grant supports the partnership between the East Kentwood High School after-school (A.R.C.H.) program and the Grand Rapids YMCA. The goal of this partnership is to provide hands-on STEM education for students who may not currently be at grade-level proficiency in math and science or may not otherwise have opportunities to be exposed to these types of activities. Approximately 45 students are involved with this program. - West Michigan Aviation Academy: This $16,000 grant supports the purchase of a 3D printer for the West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA) Engineering Department. The use of 3D design and modeling at WMAA is multi-departmental, with specific courses including: Introduction to Engineering Principles & Robotics Systems, Aeronautical Engineering, Engineering Design, CADD, Physics, Geometry and Chemistry. Along with creating school-related models, the 3D printer is demonstrated and used during the WMAA Robotics Team’s existing community outreach to middle school students. About the Bosch Community Fund: The Bosch Community Fund, a U.S.-based foundation established in September 2011, awards up to $3 million annually in grants to various 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions. The BCF focuses primarily on the enrichment of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and the advancement of environmental sustainability initiatives. About Bosch: Having established a regional presence in 1906 in North America, the Bosch Group employs some 25,000 associates in more than 100 locations. In 2014, Bosch generated consolidated sales of $11.3 billion in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico according to preliminary figures. For more information, visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, its roughly 290,000 associates generated sales of 48.9 billion euros ($65 billion) in 2014. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2014, Bosch applied for some 4,600 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group’s strategic goal is to deliver innovations for connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.”