JACKSON, Mich. – Consumers Energy is supporting the next generation of engineers, scientists and workers in technology-related fields by donating more than $200,000 to robotics programs for students in Michigan.
"We are committed to providing opportunities for today's students to explore science, technology, engineering and math fields," said Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy's vice president for customer experience, rates and regulation.
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"We know the chance to build robots for competitions and for fun can excite them to new possibilities and teach them skills that could even lead them to work someday for companies like ours."
Consumers Energy Foundation is providing financial support to the robotics competition by donating:
- $50,000 for middle school robotics teams
- $30,000 for elementary and middle school robotics clubs in Kent County
- $20,000 for Genesee County robotics clubs
- $12,000 to support a partnership between Heart of Michigan Girl Scouts and FIRST in Michigan, a nonprofit organization that promotes clubs at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and organizes competitions
- A second year of financial support for the high school robotics state competition
"There has been a huge increase in public interest in robotics, especially because it can encourage girls and young women to develop an interest in fields where they have been traditionally underrepresented," said Gail Alpert, president and secretary of FIRST in Michigan.
"We are grateful for Consumers Energy's enthusiasm and support, which makes it possible for school-based teams to meet this growing demand."
Principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest utility providing natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 local counties.