FIRST® and Caterpillar Partner to Strengthen the STEM Pipeline and Drive Innovation in the Workforce

Manchester, N.H., Jan. 03, 2018 -- FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a global K-12 not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), announced Caterpillar Inc. as a Strategic Partner. The global infrastructure company, which has supported FIRST since 2005, is recognized as providing the highest level of sponsorship through cumulative and overarching support of the youth-serving organization.

“Through the company’s dedication to building a STEM pipeline, Caterpillar has a long history of supporting FIRST by providing team sponsorships and valuable mentorship from employee volunteers. We are grateful for its ongoing and meaningful contributions,” said FIRST President Donald E. Bossi. “FIRST is proud to call Caterpillar a Strategic Partner in our mission to inspire young people to become innovators, leaders, and creative problem solvers. Together, we can help even more students gain both the STEM and soft skills they need to achieve successful careers in the 21st century.”

Caterpillar began supporting FIRST in 2005 by sponsoring 10 FIRST teams near the company’s headquarters in Peoria, Illinois. That year, over 50 employees volunteered more than 5,000 hours with 200 students in the Peoria area. Since then, Caterpillar has expanded its support to sponsor over 200 FIRST teams around the world, contributing 800 employee volunteers, donating over 100,000 hours and directly reaching 2,500-plus students annually. Today, Caterpillar’s engineering workforce includes many FIRST alumni.

In 2017, Caterpillar was among the sponsors of the FIRST STEM Equity Community Innovation Grants to address inequalities in STEM education.

"As an engineer, I think it's critical that we develop interest in and excitement about science and technology at early ages. As a company, Caterpillar has a vested interest in building a strong pipeline of future innovators,” said Caterpillar Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Tom Bluth. “Our purpose is: Our solutions help our customers build a better world. Strategic partnerships with organizations such as FIRST help us grow the next generation of engineers, scientists and technologists that will fulfill this purpose.”

Caterpillar joins more than 20 other companies (including one federal agency) that have achieved the top-tier level for sponsorship of FIRST. Together, these Strategic Partners provide significant funding, mentorship, volunteerism, equipment, and more to enhance the reach and overall impact of FIRST.

For more information about FIRST programs and sponsorship opportunities, please contact [email protected].

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About Caterpillar
For more than 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. With 2016 sales and revenues of $38.537 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company principally operates through its three product segments - Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation - and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

About FIRST^® 
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $50 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST^® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST^® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST^® LEGO^® League for Grades 4-8; and FIRST^® LEGO^® League Jr. for Grades K-4. Gracious Professionalism^® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f23ad644-155a-4a30-a2f8-143d12cd476c

Haley Dunn
FIRST
603 206 2494
[email protected]