We are pleased to announce that FIRST in Texas will be the sole beneficiary of funds raised by the Freescale Foundation during the 2015 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, presented by Freescale. The proceeds will help us address the growing demands of the STEM workforce and support robotics competitions that spark kids’ interest in technical subjects.
Please visit our community support page to help us go further. Remember, you don’t have to run to help us go far. Give in whatever way you want to and see the impact of all the voice, time, effort and money raised and given through the growth of your Giving Footprint.
Community Impact covered the announcement in an article copied here:
Freescale Foundation will donate all proceeds from the 2015 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon to support education nonprofit First in Texas Foundation, the groups announced in mid-November.
“This partnership, for us, means that we’re going to raise awareness of robotics,” First Director Jessica Galfas said.
Managed by workforce development group Skillpoint Alliance, First funds, trains and supports robotics programs for students statewide. First focuses on increasing program accessibility for low income and underrepresented students, according to the nonprofit.
First’s programs reached 4,180 students in Texas in 2013 by creating the opportunity to compete in state and national robotics competitions, according to a news release.
Galfas said by running in the marathon, participants help increase First’s programs’ reach statewide.
Founded by Freescale Semiconductor in 2013, Freescale Foundation promotes programs and initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, and encourages students to pursue STEM-related areas of study at the college level, according to Freescale.
Federal data states demand for engineering jobs far exceeds the supply of trained workers. Rick Morales, Freescale Semiconductor director of community relations, said the foundation selected First out of a desire to make a difference locally. “If you are going to [promote] robotics, you have to go with First,” he said.
Freescale Semiconductor is the presenting sponsor of the 2015 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon. Prior to the Feb. 15 marathon Freescale Foundation will showcase local robotics teams.
“On race day we will have robots in the race,” Morales said. “[Throughout the event] we will be trying to raise awareness of the need for the talent in these skills.”