Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) provided more than $23,000 in robotics grants to seven public schools and robotics teams across Indiana and Michigan. The grants ranged from $250 to $6,000.
The For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics grants program is a nationwide initiative supporting pre-kindergarten through grade 12 student education with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This multi-national robotics competition connects professionals and high school students to solve an engineering problem in a challenging and competitive way.
“Robotics are a fun, creative way for students to learn valuable STEM skills that will stay with students for their entire life,” said Katie Davis, I&M vice president of External Affairs and Customer Experience. “AEP and I&M aims to support and encourage the next generation of engineers and innovators by providing these firsthand experiences in STEM education.”
Several schools sent in thank you photos and thank you cards to I&M for supporting their competitions and robotics teams.
FIRST competitions are high-tech spectator sporting events demonstrating participants’ success in brainstorming, teamwork and meeting deadlines. I&M’s parent company, American Electric Power (AEP), funds FIRST grants on behalf of its operating companies. AEP awarded 152 grants totaling $200,000 across its 11-state service area.
Robotics grant recipients for 2022 include:
Indiana:
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne, (Team 15753)
- Career Academy High School, South Bend, (Team 5484 – The Wolfpack)
- Elkhart High School (Team 2867 – Elklogics)
- South Spencer High School, Rockport (Team 7193 – Rebel Robotics)
Michigan:
- Buchanan High School (Team 5056 - MegaHurtz Robotics)
- Lakeshore High School (Team 4237- Lance-A-Bot)
- St. Joseph High School (Team 3620- Average Joes)
Information on how to apply for an AEP robotics grant can be found at: www.aep.com/aepfirstgrant