Killer Bees one of only 30 teams in Michigan to receive grant
The Chrysler Foundation, the primary source by which Chrysler LLC supports hundreds of charitable organizations with an emphasis on community and education, has given a grant of $5,000 to the robotics team of Notre Dame Prep, the Killer Bees.
The Chrysler Foundations' funding announcement coincided with the official start of the 2014 FIRST Robotics' design and build season on Jan. 4. During this phase, teams have the opportunity to meet at local FIRST kickoff events to compare notes, get ideas, make friends, find mentoring teams, learn the design challenge, pick up the official parts kit, and get geared up for the exciting competition season. Last year, FIRST teams were tasked with building robots that were capable of competing in a high-tech version of disc golf.
"The FIRST program provides students with invaluable real world engineering experience," said Mark Chernoby, senior vice president, engineering and vice president – product committee coordinator — Chrysler Group LLC. "We hope that by engaging students at an early age, we can provide the spark that inspires them to be future innovators and problem-solvers."
The Killer Bees were one of 30 teams in Michigan to receive a grant from the foundation, which has supported school robotics for more than 15 years. There currently are more than 200 FIRST Robotics teams registered in Michigan.
According to the Bees, the grant will be used to help the team fund participation in regional, state and national events.
Ultimately, teams sponsored by The Chrysler Foundation that qualify for the FIRST Championship (April 23-26) in St. Louis, MO will receive a share of a $15,000 booster fund that will support the teams during the championship.
"The Chrysler Foundation and Chrysler Group are proud to help students discover the rewards and excitement of education and careers in science, engineering, and technology," said Jody Trapasso, senior vice president – external affairs, Chrysler Group LLC and president – The Chrysler Foundation. "We are equally proud of our employees who generously mentor students and serve as competition coordinators."
Watch a video produced in 2013 by The Chrysler Foundation, in which the Bees have one of the starring roles.