Motorola Brings U.S. Youth Closer to Science and Math

The Motorola Foundation introduced Innovation Generation grants, a $3.5 million initiative for 2007 to inspire U.S. youth, particularly girls and underserved minorities, to embrace science and math at an early age.

“We recognize that young people in the U.S. have an appetite for new technology, yet they may not be aware of the science and math that goes into creating the innovative products they love,” said Eileen Sweeney, director, The Motorola Foundation. “Through the Innovation Generation grants, Motorola supports educational programs that spark interest in these subjects and foster the spirit of discovery today that will drive innovation tomorrow"

As future technical professionals who will compete in the global economy, today’s students must have a strong foundation in science and math. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs requiring science, engineering or technical training will increase by nearly 25 percent to 6.3 million, from 2004 to 2014.

Any U.S. non-profit organization may apply for an Innovation Generation grant; however, priority will be awarded to creative initiatives that draw students in grades K-12 closer to science and math. Additional guidelines and funding priorities:

Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $250,000.
Deadline to apply is June 15, 2007.

To apply for a grant and for additional information, please visit www.motorola.com/giving/innovationgeneration

Grant recipients will be announced on September 1, 2007.

Priority funding will be given for programs that operate in communities where Motorola employees are located.

Since 2000, the Motorola Foundation has contributed more than $32 million in grants to a variety of programs that draw students closer to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Motorola grant recipients have ranged from Chicago Public School’s After School Matters to Girl Scouts of the USA to FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).