AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–NI (NASDAQ: NATI) today announced grants totaling $125,000 to six local nonprofit organizations that enable STEM education to reach students in underserved communities. The grants are for one year and are part of NI’s Business Impact Program which includes a community support component. Last year, NI committed $3.4 million over the next four years for STEM education initiatives, ranging from kindergarten to the workforce, that serve economically disadvantaged students.
“Each of these six organizations has carved out a piece of the challenge of STEM education – namely, reaching students from underrepresented communities – and given it its own unique treatment,” said Tabitha Upshaw, Senior Director of the brand, reputation, and impact at NI. “That’s why we’re thrilled to support a variety of solutions in Central Texas that help advance opportunities for young people of all backgrounds and support environmental programs.”
This year’s winners are:
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Breakthrough Central Texas: To support juniors and seniors at Manor New Tech High School in their STEM careers by providing one-on-one, long-term on-campus counseling services and on-campus careers that continue for six years, after graduation.
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Foundation Communities: To support learning programs that address a critical need for safe, nurturing, and affordable after-school time programs within the community.
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Girlstart: For support in reaching thousands of Central Texas girls in need each week with high-quality, hands-on STEM educational experiences through Girlstart After School programs, summer camp programs, and their Girls in STEM conference.
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AUSPrep at Huston-Tillotson University: to provide students in East Austin and surrounding areas with the opportunity to engage in math and science courses while simultaneously participating in projects and activities that will expose them to a variety of careers in STEM.
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Latinitas: For expanding their Code Chica and Chicas Roboticas programs, as well as basic technology literacy programs for Spanish-speaking parents.
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Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME): to implement a partnership with the non-profit organization MakeWater, focusing on water sanitation education in TAME programs and the STEM competition.
In year two of its business impact strategy, Engineering Hope, the company is partnering with key organizations to address the diversity gap in STEM fields by actively supporting educational initiatives that excite students for these careers. The Engineering Hope strategy sets out 15 ambitious goals and commitments aligned with three key pillars:
- Changing the faces of engineering: Diversify NI’s workforce and invest in STEM training that expands the engineering talent pool.
- Building an equitable and prosperous society: Promote well-being and equitable access to opportunity among NI employees and local communities.
- Designing a healthy planet: Reduce the environmental impact of NI operations and products and foster the development of green technologies.
For more details on NI’s corporate impact strategy, visit https://www.ni.com/en-us/about-ni/corporate-impact.html.
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