IMA Education Foundation Receives Motorola Solutions Foundation Innovation Generation Grant

Since 2007, Motorola’s program has provided $30 million in support of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs, supporting more than 300 school, museum and nonprofit programs across the United States. The Innovation Generation program awards funds to organizations such as the IMA Education Foundation that foster and support STEM initiatives for teachers and U.S. preschool through university students – especially girls and underrepresented minorities.

“Receiving support from Motorola Solutions Foundation is a critical component to implementing the Manufacturers Education Initiative,” says IMA President & CEO Gregory W. Baise. “The grant will help us support training of instructors, help students defray the costs associated with higher education and help spread the word that careers in advanced manufacturing are a viable option for workers in Illinois.”

The Manufacturers Education Initiative brings together manufacturers, community colleges and local high schools to offer both professional certificates and degree credits in more than450 occupations in manufacturing. The Initiative is in response to the need for manufacturers in Illinois to replace more than 30,000 retiring workers every year for at least the next decade. According to the federal Commerce Department, the average annual salary in US manufacturing exceeds $74,000 (2011).

“Each year, I am truly amazed by the ground-breaking work our grant recipients like the IMA Education Foundation accomplish through their Innovation Generation grants,” said Matt Blakely, director, Motorola Solutions Foundation. “These grantees are playing an active role in developing the future of STEM education for our country. As a company dedicated to helping people be their best in the moments that matter, Motorola Solutions could not be more honored to support programs such as the IMA Education Foundation.

Innovation Generation is a part of Motorola Solutions’ larger commitment to engaging youth in STEM education. Beyond funding, the IMA Education Foundation will receive ongoing support from Motorola Solutions employee volunteers, who will act as mentors, tutors and experts in STEM careers.

For additional information on the Motorola Solutions Foundation grants programs, visit: http://responsibility.motorolasolutions.com/index.php/solutions-for-community/ and for more information on the IMA Education Foundation please visit www.ima-net.org.

About the IMA Education Foundation

The mission of the IMA Education Foundation (EF) is to be the premier influencer of education policy and programs affecting manufacturing in Illinois in order to attract and develop the future manufacturing workforce. The IMA EF informs the public of the significant contributions made by manufacturing to the Illinois economy, and the desirability of manufacturing careers in today’s society. In addition, the IMA EF provides financial support to school districts, community colleges, vocational schools and our state’s four-year institutions; and encourages IMA member companies to provide internships at their manufacturing facilities for students, and opportunities for educators to learn about the vocational needs of manufacturers in Illinois.

About Motorola Solutions Foundation  The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions. With employees located around the globe, Motorola Solutions seeks to benefit the communities where it operates. The company achieves this by making strategic grants, forging strong community partnerships and fostering innovation. The Motorola Solutions Foundation focuses its funding on public safety, disaster relief, employee programs and education, especially science, technology, engineering and math programming. For more information on Motorola Solutions Corporate and Foundation giving, visit www.motorolasolutions.com/giving.