Philomath High Robotics and Engineering Division will receive a $4,980 grant, Pioneer Connect announced this week.
The Foundation for Rural Service, the philanthropic arm of NTCA, announced 23 grants totaling over $105,000 to support projects in its communities across the country.
Pioneer Connect originated the grant application process with Tom Thompson, PHRED’s lead mentor, to seek funding for the team to expand its outreach to students.
“This grant will help our robotics team take community outreach to a new level by reaching out to more kids and their families at community events and summer mini camps,” Thompson said through a press release.
PHRED operates with the goal of providing authentic engineering experiences and opportunities for students through participation in an annual international robotics competition. Since the high school robotics program launched in 2002, it has expanded to encompass additional grade levels, including the elementary school where they started a Lego-based robotics program.
“Pioneer is deeply committed to supporting our local communities and empowering the young individuals in the areas we serve,” said James Rennard, Pioneer Connect general manager. “We were delighted to assist and support the PHRED robotics team in their application and thrilled that they have been selected as recipients representing Philomath, Pioneer Connect and rural America.”
The award will assist PHRED in expanding its outreach to more elementary and middle school aged children to gain more interest and participation. They also have plans to provide free robotic “camps” for elementary and middle school students, giving them a greater hands-on experience in engineering design and computer programming through robotics.
“Through the community grant program, FRS is proud to help multiply the work NTCA members are often already doing to give back so that their efforts can have an even greater impact on the communities they serve,” Foundation for Rural Service Executive Director Pam Becker said.