Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware in partnership with Delaware State University were recently awarded $42,400 to expand FIRST LEGO League teams into more communities. Delaware received one of ten grants in US and Canada funded through the 2016 FIRST Equity Community Innovation Grant.

“As the demand for qualified STEM professionals continues to grow, inequalities in education and afterschool programs have affected students of color and female students’ ability to excel in these fields,” said Donald E. Bossi, president of FIRST. “Through these grants, we are proud to lay the foundation for more successful futures by providing opportunities for 4,200 students in nine states and one Canadian province to gain new skills and real-world experiences. For their communities, this opportunity offers practical workforce development and equity solutions that otherwise have been unavailable.”

George Krupanski, president/CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware said, “This exciting program will have a lasting benefit in helping young people prepare for a successful future. FIRST LEGO teams are a great way to excite youth about STEM programs while working together in a team approach. We are thrilled to be a part of this effort!”

Learn more about First State FLL here.