Motorola Foundation Commits $7.5 Million for U.S. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education Programs

Applications invited for expanded Innovation Generation grants.

Expansion underscores Motorola’s commitment to developing next generation of STEM leaders.

Schaumburg, Ill. –The Motorola Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), announced that it will increase its 2010 giving to U.S. science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs to $7.5 million through its signature Innovation Generation grants program.

Building on President Barack Obama’s “Educate to Innovate” campaign, the Motorola Foundation’s Innovation Generation program incorporates funding, employee volunteers and intra-grantee collaboration to boost American students’ engagement in STEM. Recently, President Obama honored multi-year Innovation Generation grant recipient Project Exploration at a White House ceremony that honored STEM educators from across the country. Project Exploration works to ensure underserved communities have access to personalized science experiences and was a 2009 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).

“We believe in the Innovation Generation—the pipeline of critical thinkers who will drive America’s competitiveness,” said Eileen Sweeney, director of the Motorola Foundation. “Through our expanded support to programs that make success in science and math both real and possible for young people across the country, we are empowering a new generation to develop solutions around our most pressing global issues.”

The 2010 Innovation Generation grants program features three distinct funding areas:

Innovation Generation Grants
Support targeted, innovative STEM education programs for U.S. pre-school through 12th grade students and teachers, with grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 – deadline March 1, 2010

Innovation Generation Collaborative Grants
Support medium- to large-scale STEM education collaborations between two or more non-profit organizations, schools and/or school districts, with joint requests ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 – deadline April 1, 2010

Innovation Generation University Grants
Support hands-on, innovative competitions, seminars and design competitions for undergraduate- and graduate-level students at select universities, with maximum grants of $50,000 – deadline March 1, 2010 for invited applicants

Funding priority will be placed on programs that:

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Engage students and teachers in innovative, hands-on activities
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Teach STEM as well as develop innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills
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Focus on girls and minorities that are currently underrepresented in the STEM disciplines
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Take place in communities with Motorola employees

At least 25 percent of total grant dollars will support new programming that has been operating for less than two years and is not simply an expansion of an existing program. At least 15 percent of total grant dollars will support environment-focused programming.

“Science and technology are a part of Motorola’s DNA, and our employees are passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators,” Sweeney said. “Through our Innovators Volunteer Program, Motorola employees will provide technical expertise and guidance to the 2010 grantees.”

For complete details on the Innovation Generation grants programs and to apply, visit www.motorola.com/giving/innovationgeneration.