Bosch Community Fund grants $80,000 to education organizations in Owatonna, Minn., area

- Grant encourages local students of all ages to take interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects - Bosch Community Fund supports education by granting funds for certifications, college courses and other learning activities FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The Bosch Community Fund recently awarded $80,000 in grants to schools and organizations in the Owatonna, Minnesota, area. The grants support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. “It is important to Bosch to give back to the community,” said Chuck Miklich, vice president of operations for North America, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions. “These grants help to provide many educational opportunities for both students and teachers with interest in STEM subjects and activities, which is critical to the development of the future workforce.” Owatonna Public Schools : This $25,000 grant supports STEM certification for 15 K-5 teachers at McKinley Elementary STEM School through the St. Catherine University National Center for Elementary STEM Education (NCSEE) program. This marks the second year the Bosch Community Fund has provided funding for this three-year certification process. South Central College : This $25,000 grant supports the Mechanical Systems 2 course, which is part of South Central College’s (SCC) Mechatronics program, to which the Bosch Community Fund provided a grant in 2014. This course is offered to high school students and other online learners who engage with SCC Mechatronics faculty through virtual lectures and participate in practical/hands-on lab experiences while gaining college credit toward a degree. This grant provides classroom kits that contain six-speed gear boxes, as well as all of the tooling to disassemble, inspect and reassemble them, in order to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities related to mechanical components. Owatonna Chamber of Commerce and Tourism : This $5,000 grant supports “Made in Owatonna Days.” As part of a larger Owatonna Career Center project, the “Made in Owatonna Days” consists of 150 Owatonna high school students touring and learning about local manufacturing companies, as well as learning about employment internships and apprenticeship opportunities in the Owatonna community. Its purpose is to improve the awareness and understanding of the manufacturing work occurring in the community and to provide a smoother transition from high school to the workforce for low-income and minority students. Ed Visions : This $12,500 grant supports the purchase of laptop computers for CHOICE Technical Academy, which opens in the fall of 2015. CHOICE is an innovative nonprofit charter school for students in grades 7-12, with a mission to offer innovative educational opportunities and to develop career pathways for young adults in partnership with the public and private sector. Somali American Cultural Society of Owatonna : This $12,500 grant supports the curriculum and equipment to provide STEM education for one month to 20-30 Somali K-8 students currently attending the Somali American Cultural Society of Owatonna (SASCO). This STEM program at SASCO aims to help Somali students by better preparing them for STEM subjects. 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 28,700 associates in more than 100 locations, as of April 1, 2015. In 2014, Bosch generated consolidated sales of $11.3 billion in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. 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. It employs roughly 360,000 associates worldwide (as per April 1, 2015). The company generated sales of 49 billion euros 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 roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including its sales and service partners, 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 objective is to create solutions for a 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.” Exchange rate: 1 EUR = $1.32850 *The sales figure disclosed for 2014 does not include the former joint ventures BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH (now BSH Hausgeräte GmbH) and ZF Lenksysteme GmbH (now Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH), which have since been fully acquired.