By Calvin Biesecker
BAE Systems said on Friday it will be tripling its annual contribution to a non-profit group that aims to inspire school children to be science and technology leaders.
United Kingdom-based BAE will become the largest corporate contributor and a strategic partner of First (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) by providing over $1 million annually in funding, resources and employee volunteering.
“Our donation is an investment in the future high-tech workforce BAE Systems and America will need in the 21st Century,” Walt Havenstein, president and CEO of BAE’s United States-based divisions, said in a statement. Havenstein said there is a need for more school children in the United Statesto get engaged with S&T related education and activities.
FIRST sponsors annual robotics competitions nationwide, working mainly through schools.