Moraine Valley Community College’s Foundation has received a $12,500 grant through the Innovation Generation Grant Program from the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions, Inc. Through the grant, the Foundation will award up to 25 manufacturing intern scholarships to dual enrollment high school students who are pursuing a career in manufacturing, a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field.
The Innovation Generation Grant Program supports organizations, such as Moraine Valley, that foster and support STEM initiatives for teachers and U.S. preschool through university students – especially girls and underrepresented minorities.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by the Motorola Solutions Foundation for being innovative with regards to STEM education,” said Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, college president. “As a member of the League for Innovation in the Community College, we take great pride in ensuring our students gain the knowledge and skills needed to meet the demands of a changing world.”
Successful recipients of the manufacturing intern scholarship will complete Moraine Valley’s manufacturing intern certificate by high school graduation and immediately qualify to interview for paid internships. This program benefits from the successful partnership between the college and district high schools.
Frank LaMantia, curriculum director of career and technical education for Community High School District 218 said he looks forward to working with Moraine Valley to provide his students with meaningful STEM education and career opportunities.
“The Motorola Solutions Foundation created the Innovation Generation Grant Program eight years ago to support educational experiences that spark students to turn their dreams into the innovations that will shape our society’s future,” said Matt Blakely, director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “Organizations like Moraine Valley Community College are teaching tomorrow’s leaders that careers in engineering and technology are not only fun but also within their reach.”
The Motorola Solutions Foundation grant program overall will impact about 900,000 students and teachers, each receiving an average of 100 programming hours from their partner non-profit organizations and institutions. Programs will support special populations, including girls and women, underrepresented minorities, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, people with disabilities, and the military.
For news media inquiries, call Jessica Crotty, College and Community Relations coordinator, at (708) 974-5281 or email her at crotty@morainevalley.edu.
