Bosch Community Fund awards $50,000 in grants to STEM programming in Lincolnton, N.C.

- Four grants support Lincolnton schools, organizations for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and training - Since 2015, organizations in the Lincolnton area have received $99,500 in Bosch Community Fund grants FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The Bosch Community Fund recently awarded $50,000 in grants to four organizations in Lincolnton, North Carolina. The grants support education and activities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. “This support from the Bosch Community Fund provides the platform for Lincolnton area students to explore and engage in STEM programs,” said David Lee, director of Packaging, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. “From these experiences, we hope to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in technical fields.” The grants were awarded to the following organizations: - Lincoln County Schools: A $15,000 grant supports the second phase of a Lincoln County Schools science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) initiative, an interactive program designed to integrate multimedia teaching, learning resources and career exploration with high school biology, math and technology. Specifically, the grant allows teachers to participate in a summer program in which they visit organizations that work within the industry they teach. From these visits, teachers learn about careers available to Lincolnton students and can identify relevant information to incorporate into their curriculum. - Lincoln Economic Development Association: This $15,000 grant provides resources to an event designed to inspire the next generation of advanced manufacturers and career technical education graduates in Lincoln County. The Lincoln Economic Development Association partners with the production company Edge Factor to deliver a message that will get both students and parents excited about STEM careers. Because of last year’s event, an additional 200 students enrolled in 2016-17 advanced manufacturing classes. - Lincoln County Community Friends Corporation: A $10,000 grant helps with the expansion of the Lincoln County Public Library’s hands-on STEAM learning programs. The project provides more opportunities for students, parents and teachers to engage with STEAM activities by incorporating the learning programs into open house nights, in-school clubs and summer camp programs in Lincoln County. - Communities in Schools (CIS) of Lincoln County: This $10,000 grant aids in the addition of a career coach who will work extensively with high school students who are at risk to not graduate or fail to graduate on time. In collaboration with Lincoln County School of Technology, the career coach works to identify students who may be interested in pursuing STEM careers and guiding them on the appropriate career path for prolonged success. CIS employed high school career coaches in Lincoln county from the 2011-2012 school year through the 2014-2015 school year. During this period, the graduation rates within the supported schools increased by approximately 12 percent. “Every agency benefitting from the generosity of the Bosch Community Foundation will be using these funds to invest in our most important asset, our children,” said Kara Brown, existing business manager, Lincoln Economic Development Association. “Each of us understands that without the cultivation of our future engineers, scientists, mathematicians, technology specialists, and so on, we will suffer in the world marketplace. More importantly, however, is how much the students will benefit from the gift Bosch has presented to our community – one I hope they take into their future.” Since 2015, organizations in the Lincolnton area have received $99,500 in Bosch Community Fund grants. About the Bosch Community Fund The Bosch Community Fund, a U.S.-based foundation established in September 2011, has awarded more than $12 million 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 31,000 associates in more than 100 locations, as of December 31, 2015. In 2015, Bosch generated consolidated sales of $14 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 375,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2015). The company generated sales of $78.3 billion (70.6 billion euros) in 2015. 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 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing and sales network covers some 150 countries. The basis for the company’s future growth is its innovative strength. Bosch employs 55,800 associates in research and development at 118 locations across the globe. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to deliver innovations 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.” Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com and twitter.com/BoschPresse. Exchange rate: 1 EUR = $1.1095