By Maui Now Staff

The Monsanto Fund has developed a new FIRST Robotics Grant Program to support educational robotics in communities where Monsanto employees live and work.

The nationwide program seeks to inspire and nurture students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

The Monsanto Fund’s FIRST grant program is open to both first-year and veteran teams for sixth through 12th grade students competing in FIRST Robotics Competitions and/or FIRST Tech Challenge tournaments.

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School districts or organizations on O‘ahu, Maui and Moloka‘i with a 501(c)3 tax exempt status and have been operating as a 501(c)3 for a minimum of two years are eligible to apply. Teams that demonstrate diversity will receive higher priority.

Applications will be available starting Aug. 15, 2015. The application deadline is Sept. 15, 2015, by 7 p.m. (HST).

Hawai‘i-based teams interested in learning more about this grant program should go online for application instructions.

FIRST’s mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build the skills needed, inspire innovation, and foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership.

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund online.