Download Print FCA Foundation Awards Grant to Kingman High School’s ‘Bionic Bulldogs’ Robotics Team Kingman High School's ‘Bionic Bulldogs’ among 62 teams nationally to receive a FCA Foundation grant Grant will enable Kingman High School students to participate in STEM-building robotics program January 7, 2017 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of North American automaker FCA US LLC, today awarded $250,000 in grants to 62 robotics teams across the United States, including the Kingman High School ‘Bionic Bulldogs’ – Team 60. The 'Bionic Bulldogs' will receive a $4,725 grant from the FCA Foundation to help the team offset the costs, i.e. registration fees, parts and materials and team apparel associated with competing in the STEM-building FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) robotics and research program. FIRST ® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. “The long-standing commitment and engagement FCA US has with FIRST is embodied by the dedication of our employees who give generously of their time and skills to help mentor students and serve as competition coordinators,” said Lesley Slavitt, Head of Civic Engagement, FCA US LLC, and CEO of the FCA Foundation. “It is a continuing privilege to ensure their hard work and steadfast contributions support and further positive outcomes for youth in our communities.” FCA US employs more than 100 people in Arizona, where the company conducts extreme-weather testing at its proving grounds in Yucca. Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, FRC teams (25+ members, grades 9-12) are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, build, and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult game against like-minded competitors. Details of the 2017 FRC season challenge, FIRST® STEAMWORKSSM, will be revealed on Saturday, January 7, 2017, 10:30 a.m. EST – the official start of the design and build season. Teams that attend "local" Kickoff events will have the opportunity to compare notes, get ideas, make friends, find mentoring teams, learn the game, pick up the Kickoff Kit from the Kit of Parts, and get geared up for the exciting competition season. The FRC season concludes with the FIRST Championship in April. “The real-world experience that students gain through their participation in FIRST programs is invaluable in preparing students for the future,” said Phil Jansen, Head of Product Development, FCA – North America. “We are proud to partner with an organization that taps into such formidable minds and encourages deeper levels of ingenuity.” FCA Foundation The FCA Foundation is the charitable arm of North American automaker FCA US LLC, a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. The FCA Foundation invests in U.S. charitable organizations and initiatives that help empower people, build strong, resilient communities and generate meaningful and measurable societal impacts. In support of these objectives, the FCA Foundation focuses on the following foundational pillars: youth development, education, support for military, veterans and their families, and community service.