IRVINE, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2013) — The Bosch Community Fund (BCF), Bosch Group's U.S.-based foundation, has awarded a $200,000 grant to Discovery Science Center (DSC) Kids' Discovery Village.
Bosch said the grant is a continuance of its commitment to promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and sustainability education. Five kindergarten through grade12 focused, interactive exhibits funded by the BCF grant "will teach children about sustainable materials, solar energy, insulation, plant life and space design," the company said.
The grant was awarded in conjunction with Bosch's support of the U.S. Department of Energy' Solar Decathlon 2013 and XPO—a clean, renewable and efficient energy exposition—that took place Oct. 3-6 and will repeat Oct. 10-13 in Irvine, Calif.
"Bosch is dedicated to supporting projects like the Kids' Discovery Village that encourage education and promote the importance of energy efficiency and utilizing renewable resources," explained Mike Mansuetti, president, Robert Bosch L.L.C., announcing the award at the opening reception for the Solar Decathlon.
"The BCF seeks opportunities that help encourage the next generation of talented workers to take an interest in STEM and sustainability, both of which are key to the future of the many industries in which Bosch operates."
DSC is dedicated to educating young students, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs. At the completion of the Solar Decathlon 2013 and XPO, the interactive exhibit will be permanently installed at the science center in Santa Ana, Calif., where approximately 450,000 guests visit each year.
The BCF is a major donor of the Powerful Ideas Classroom initiative—one of two key XPO educational elements—supporting opportunities for youth to be inspired about science, engineering, architecture and energy. The Powerful Ideas Classroom will feature educational activities and lessons for preschool through high school students.
Bosch launched BCF in 2011 and it went operational in August 2012. The company said BCF "is successfully achieving its goal to support communities in which Bosch operates with a focus on STEM education and environmental sustainability."
Over the past year, the BCF awarded $2.3 million in grants that support 52 projects established in communities throughout the U.S., including a grant to establish the Bosch Young Scientists program in collaboration with the Cranbrook Institute of Science. That program augments the science education of more than 1,800 seventh-grade students who attend Detroit Public Schools.
Bosch said the BCF will award up to $3 million annually.
The Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket solutions, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions.