Destination ImagiNation Receives Innovation Generation Grant
Cherry Hill, NJ–August 2, 2010 – Destination ImagiNation today announced it has received $150,000 as part of the Innovation Generation grant program from the Motorola Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Inc. Through the grant, [Destination ImagiNation will create programming to encourage students to pursue science, technical, engineering and mathematical (STEM) careers.
Since 2005, the Motorola Foundation’s signature Innovation Generation program seeks to boost American students’ engagement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through funding, employee volunteers and intra-grantee collaboration. Building on President Barack Obama’s “Educate to Innovate” campaign and federal initiatives like the Race to the Top Fund, the program provides $7.5 million to K-12 programs across the U.S., including Destination ImagiNation to support hands-on, innovative after-school programs, science and math clubs, teacher training and mentoring programs.
Destination ImagiNation will use the foundation funds to develop an engaging Challenge-based event to create excitement and interest in STEM-related careers. Key issues to be addressed include lack of female participation, lack of innovation in STEM curriculum, and promotion of more integrated learning of STEM skills.
“STEM skills are essential for addressing many of our most pressing issues including the energy crisis, global warming, and the growing global population. We look forward to taking our proven methods of engaging youth in meaningful ways to support Motorola’s initiative,” said Chuck Cadle, CEO for Destination ImagiNation.
“Engaging youth in STEM fields will be crucial to driving future innovation and keeping America competitive in a global economy,” said Eileen Sweeney, director of the Motorola Foundation. “With the help of these grants, Destination ImagiNation and Motorola can work together to ensure we are adequately building a diverse pipeline of critical thinkers and addressing the most pressing needs around education.”
Innovation Generation is a part of Motorola’s larger commitment to engaging youth in STEM education. More than just funding, Destination ImagiNation will receive ongoing support from a Motorola employee through the company’s “Innovators” employee volunteer program, which utilizes the expertise of Motorola’s workforce to inspire the next generation of inventors. Destination ImagiNation also now is part of the Innovation Generation network, where it can create vital connections with hundreds of other organizations with the common vision to make a greater impact on STEM education.
Since 2007, more than $20.5 million has been awarded to STEM programs nationwide through Innovation Generation funding. For more information on the grant program, please visit www.motorola.com/giving. For additional information on Destination ImagiNation please visit wwww.IDODI.org.
About Destination ImagiNation, Inc.
Destination ImagiNation, Inc. is an extraordinary non-profit organization that provides two educational programs for students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Every year, we reach 100,000 students across the U.S. and in more than 30 countries. Destination ImagiNation, our core program, is an exhilarating educational program, offered primarily in after-school settings, in which students work in teams to solve mind-bending Challenges and present their solutions at Tournaments. In our Destination ImagiNation 4-Life program, we design and implement cause-based programming for client organizations to reach target audiences in a powerful way. Destination ImagiNation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with more than 1.3 million alumni and a global network of 35,000 volunteers. Visit http://www.IDODI.org for more information.
About the Motorola Foundation
The Motorola Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola. With employees located around the globe, Motorola seeks to benefit the communities where it operates. The company achieves this by making strategic grants, forging strong community partnerships, fostering innovation and engaging stakeholders. Motorola Foundation focuses its funding on education, especially science, technology, engineering and math programming. For more information, on Motorola Corporate and Foundation giving, visit www.motorola.com/giving.
