Brose grants $15,000 to Pontiac, Michigan, school for FIRST® Robotics program

Brose North America recently awarded $15,000 to Pontiac Academy for Excellence (PAE) for its For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®) Robotics Team 6117: Wingspan. This is the inaugural year of support from Brose, a technological leader in mechatronics – the integration of mechanics, electrics, electronics and sensors – to Team Wingspan.

FIRST is a hands-on, mentor-based program designed to spark young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Each year the program releases a new competition game, and this year's is called FIRST® STEAMWORKS. The teams and their mentors develop and build a robot to compete in several local events and qualify for state and world championships.

"At Brose, we engineer excellence in everything we do, and look to help develop the next generation of innovative leaders," said Mike Brosseau, President Brose North America. "Our support will encourage and enhance students' interest in STEM topics, and help educate a future workforce able to handle the technology used in the mobility industry."

Brose and Pontiac Academy of Excellence

Brose not only sponsors Wingspan, but some of its employees also volunteer as mentors. During the pre-season, team meetings were used as an afterschool education program for Wingspan team members. Students went to Brose's Auburn Hills facility where mentors trained them in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), coding and problem-solving.

Funds are used for materials, tools, transportation, meals and other supplies the team needs for building a robot able to compete during the 2016-17 season.

"Having the team perform hands-on STEM-based activities while interacting with skilled industry mentors from Brose will be instrumental to our students' growth and future. It will also teach them to work together to solve problems and create effective solutions," said Dr. James Spruill, Superintendent of the Pontiac Academy for Excellence.

FIRST® students in team Wingspan created content for the potential to earn three awards, which include Woodie Flowers, Dean's List and Entrepreneurship.

Team 6117: Wingspan In its second year, Wingspan is composed of 15 students and 10 adult mentors. In the 2016 season, Wingspan won the "Highest Rookie Seed" award at a District event. This award celebrates the highest-seeded rookie team at the end of qualifying rounds.

The team, along with 40 others, will compete at several district "FIRST® in Michigan" events, including an event on March 17-18, at Waterford Mott High School in Waterford, Michigan.

About Pontiac Academy for Excellence

Pontiac Academy for Excellence is a charter school district in Pontiac, Michigan, that supports the whole child, whole family and whole community in the pursuit of educational and life success. Founded by OLHSA, a Community Action Agency, in 1998 to offer a superior educational experience, PAE is the largest charter option in Pontiac, serving students from kindergarten through grade twelve. At PAE children and families are provided with the stability and resources needed to grow both in the classroom and beyond. Safety, respect, learning and community are the pillars of excellence honored by each student and the district. www.pontiacacademy.org

About Brose

Brose is the world's fifth-largest family-owned automotive supplier. The company develops and produces mechatronic systems for vehicle doors and seats as well as electric motors and drives. 25,000 employees at 60 locations in 23 countries generate 6.1 billion euros in turnover. Every other new vehicle worldwide is equipped with at least one Brose product.

About Brose North America

Brose has been a committed partner to the North American market since 1993. The mechatronics specialist now counts eight locations across Canada, the United States and Mexico and employs approximately 5,000 people in the region. The entire range of Brose products is manufactured throughout the North American facilities, from window regulators and door modules to seat systems.