Google announced a new $500,000 grant to expand access to robotics and artificial intelligence education programs statewide. The announcement was made during an event with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene at one of the schools that will be receiving support: Finn Hill Middle School in Kirkland, where students put together robots and were introduced to hands-on STEM tools by local Google employee volunteers. The grant is intended to fund 1,234 new or existing Washington state robotics clubs through nonprofit partners Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) and For InSpiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST).
“Google’s investments in our region’s STEM education represent a strong commitment to growing much-needed future leaders in these spaces,” said Congresswoman DelBene. “In order to be competitive in the STEM workforce, young people need a strong baseline understanding in fields like robotics and artificial intelligence early on. Programs like these give young people the opportunity to innovate, build new skills, and open bright new pathways for their future.”
The grant is part of a $10M initiative launched by Google.org in connection with the company’s 25th anniversary to fund robotics education nonprofits FIRST and RECF, which aim to support the next generation of innovators and give back to the communities Google calls home.
Google.org’s grant funding will enable the REC Foundation to develop AI specific curricula. It will also support the RECF’s work with local groups to support existing clubs and bring new robotics teams to every state where Google has an office or a data center – including Washington. The grant funding will also help efforts to connect with communities and students who have traditionally lacked access. In Washington, this means working to grow girls participation in robotics from 30% to 50%.
“Robotics programs help prepare students for their future careers by teaching them time-tested skills – creative problem solving, communication and teamwork – while also introducing them to new technology,” said Paco Galanes, Head of Google Kirkland Office.
"Programs like these give young people the opportunity to innovate, build new skills, and open bright new pathways for their future.”