AIAA Foundation, The Boeing Company and First Lego League Form Collaboration to Provide Grants for First Lego League Teams Written 16 May 2017

$500 Grants Available for First-Time Teams 

May 16, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation, The Boeing Company, and FIRST LEGO League have entered into a collaboration to provide grants to FIRST LEGO League teams. Teams participating in the program for the first time can apply for grants of $500, while teams who have previously taken part can apply for grants of $250. The Boeing Company will provide grant funding and the AIAA Foundation will administer the program. Teams will tackle a scientific and real-world challenge designed to maximize the students’ use of their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) knowledge. 

“Programs like FIRST LEGO League are critical to preparing the next generation of the STEM workforce, and for teaching students valuable lessons in teamwork and problem solving, lessons that will serve them well no matter what field they enter,” said Sandy Magnus, AIAA executive director and president of the AIAA Foundation. “The AIAA Foundation is grateful to The Boeing Company for its generosity in contributing to this valuable program, and to FIRST LEGO League for giving students these important opportunities to further their development in these critical areas.” 

The FIRST LEGO Grant Program places a special emphasis on teams who have not yet participated in FIRSTLEGO League, as well as teams that include underrepresented minority students and young women, and teams from schools in rural areas. Teams receiving grants must be coached by an AIAA member, and special consideration will be given to teams coached by employees of The Boeing Company. 

“By way of this generous grant from the AIAA Foundation and The Boeing Company, we can make our FIRST LEGO League program accessible to more students,” said Donald E. Bossi, president, FIRST. “At this young age, students’ minds are bursting with curiosity and wonderment about the world around them. By making programs like FIRST LEGO League available, the AIAA Foundation and The Boeing Company are helping us shape the innovators and change-makers of tomorrow. We’re grateful for their support.” 

“It is truly remarkable what the young minds of FIRST LEGO League are capable of dreaming up,” said John Blazey, vice president of Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship. “Through charitable giving and partnerships with the AIAA Foundation and FIRST LEGO League, Boeing is investing in tomorrow’s innovators, creating opportunities for youth that encourage them to think differently about themselves and the world around them. When kids dream big, they become big.” 

For more information and to follow the progress of the program and teams, please follow @FirstTweets.  

About the AIAA Foundation 
Founded in 1996, the AIAA Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization committed to offering a wealth of resources that support students and educators at both the K-12 and university level. Efforts include K-12 STEM education programs including classroom grants and hands-on activities, college scholarships, design competitions, student conferences and recognition awards. For more information, please visit www.aiaafoundation.org.    

About The Boeing Company 
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.

About FIRST®  
Accomplished inventor  Dean Kamen founded  FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $50 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST  FIRST® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12;  FIRST® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12;  FIRST® LEGO® League for Grades 4-8; and  FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. for Grades K-4.  Gracious Professionalism  ® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to  www.firstinspires.org