Motorola Grants $3.5 Million for Science and Technology Education

Motorola recently announced the recipients of its Innovation Generation Grants, the $3.5 million initiative offered through the Motorola Foundation to encourage people to embrace technology, science, engineering and math.

This year's Innovation Generation Grants will support 106 breakthrough programs that use original approaches to cultivate the interest for technology-related areas. The grants are for programs that help girls and ethnic groups, which are poorly represented in technology fields. 41 percent of the recipient programs serve African American students, 19 percent serve Hispanic youth and 31 percent are specifically targeted towards girls.

"Motorola wants to show the next generation of inventors that science is fun, challenging and possible," said Eileen Sweeney, director of the Motorola Foundation. "Through the Innovation Generation Grants, organizations across the country are helping students develop a passion for science and math by making the connection between the cool technology they enjoy every day and the educational foundation they will need for greater success in the classroom and beyond."

The Innovation Generation Grants support programs varying from after-school or summer science enrichment programs to activities promoting teacher-training initiatives and innovative technology use. Some of the institutes and programs that will receive funds are: Global Kids Inc, Half Moon Bay High School, The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, The Marine Science Institute, The National Society of Black Engineers and Working In The Schools’ (WITS).

Besides funding, Motorola will make connections between recipients of the Innovation Generation Grants , via a new portal site hosted by the company that allows expanding and enhancing the worldwide network of pleaders for innovation in science, technology, engineering and math education.

Different grants will engage scientists and engineers from Motorola as volunteers who guide, mentor and provide relevant insight into their work's opportunities and excitement. Motorola Foundation has offered, since 2000, more than $35 million in grants for various programs that provide students easier access to science and technology fields.

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