Bosch Community Fund awards more than $50,000 to community schools, organizations in St. Joseph, Michigan

- Grants earmarked for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs - Since 2014, the St. Joseph community has received more than $85,000 in Bosch Community Fund grants ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – The Bosch Community Fund has furthered its support of the St. Joseph, Michigan, community with more than $50,000 in grants to six local programs. The grants will provide resources for various science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs and activities. “We are proud to be part of a company that dedicates so much effort to develop tomorrow’s workforce,” said Robert Spaargaren, plant manager, Bosch St. Joseph facility. “These grants from the Bosch Community Fund are one example of providing students with a valuable education to prepare them for a successful future in a STEM field.” The grants support the following programs in St. Joseph: - Lake Michigan College Foundation: This $10,000 grant is the second payment of a five-year grant to the Campaign for Tomorrow capital campaign for the Hanson Technology Center at Lake Michigan College. This education and training center will encourage students to explore manufacturing careers, support the development of manufacturing education and training programs, and aid in the creation and expansion of programs to support area businesses. - Southwestern Michigan College: This $11,850 grant will go toward a June 2016 robotics camp at the college. The camp is a collaboration between the college, Lewis Cass Intermediate School District, district schools and FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics teams. The goals are to promote STEM careers and participation in FIRST®, as well as to provide an opportunity for area FIRST® Robotics teams to gain STEM skills and to share information, resources and skills with one another. - Lakeshore Public Schools: This $4,054 contribution helps establish a sixth-grade FIRST® LEGO® League team as well as a FIRST® Tech Challenge team for seventh- and eighth-graders. This supports the district’s ongoing efforts to provide STEM opportunities for students. - Cornerstone Alliance: This $4,401 grant will, for the second year, aid in the purchase of robot workstation kits that will be used at the Cornerstone and Berrien RESA (Regional Educational Service Agency) maker station at the 2016 Southwest Michigan Mini Maker Faire. After the event, the exhibit will be housed at the Berrien County Education Resource Center for all area students to access. - Benton Harbor Area Schools: This $10,000 award supports the Benton Harbor Area Schools’ ECOTEK program for more than 440 students from five middle schools and high schools. This program provides students with opportunities to participate in hands-on science research projects and experiments. - St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation: This $10,000 grant supports an Engineering Tech Pathway Middle College program at St. Joseph schools. A partnership between St. Joseph schools and Lake Michigan College, this program allows students to earn an associate degree in engineering technology upon completion of five years of high school. There is no cost to the students or their families for the degree. “Our goal is to prepare students to successfully meet the challenges of the future, and to inspire caring, compassionate and motivated individuals who will perpetuate the American way of life,” said Ann Cardon, superintendent, St. Joseph Public Schools. “Thanks to the Bosch Community Fund grant, we can offer unique learning opportunities to our students and, at the same time, prepare them to be part of the future workforce.” Since 2014, the Bosch Community Fund has awarded more than $85,000 in grants to the St. Joseph community. 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 taken over completely.