Motorola Foundation: Cultivating the Innovation Generation

Motorola and the Motorola Foundation cultivate the skilled scientists and engineers needed to create tomorrow’s new ideas. We support programs that generate a love of science early in life and show the new generation of inventors – especially girls and underrepresented minorities – that careers in science, technology, engineering and math are fun, challenging and cool. Since 2000, the Motorola Foundation has contributed more than $32 million in grants to education.

Making Science Fun
Through after-school programs and science clubs, Motorola is making science real and making it fun. We support many after-school programs and science clubs including the FIRST Robotics Competition and Carminati Rocket Scientists Program. Motorola has committed more than $2 million to these passion-sparking programs targeted for grade school students, girls and underrepresented minorities.

Providing Technology Role Models
Our very own Motorolans are showing kids that rocket scientists are the new rock stars.  They guide, mentor, tutor – and will do just about anything. By working side-by-side with high school students, Motorolans across the U.S. are helping build bridges and futures for the next generation of inventors. Motorola has helped shape the Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair by serving as board members, judges and speakers. Through the Asian Business Council Tutoring program, Motorolans right here in Illinois have contributed more than 300 hours to tutor students in math and science.

Generating Love for Science
At camp, in schools, at museums, on the Internet – Motorola-sponsored programs reach out to students to generate a love for science that strengthens commitment to careers in technology. Today, Motorola has partnered with the Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Girl Scouts, University of Illinois and others to help cultivate curiosity and critical thinking for math, science and technology. Our programs reach out to girls of all ages so an interest in science, engineering and technology is nurtured as soon as possible.

Inspiring Future Leaders
We’re bolstering universities to create the next generation of technology leaders by funding scholarships, supporting outreach programs and reworking the concept of science labs. Motorola proudly hosts case competitions, national consortiums, internships and scholarships to strengthen and reinforce the importance of science and technology for the next generation. 

Strengthening Classrooms
By strengthening America’s teacher corps, Motorola helps bring to life the day-to-day activities of a classroom teacher – even the most remote scientific or mathematical concepts. We’re committed to improve math and science achievement in Chicago schools by attracting, training and retaining high-quality math and science teachers.  Motorola sponsors outreach educators from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum who work alongside Chicago Public School teachers to implement innovative teaching strategies that support student achievement in underserved areas. Through Teach for America, Motorola has funded growth of math and science teachers from 90 to 200 members. 

The Motorola Foundation supports the Council on Competitiveness, a network of government and businesses committed to improving U.S. competitiveness in the fields of math, science, engineering and research.

About Motorola Foundation
The Motorola Foundation was established in 1953 primarily to support leading universities in the United States.

Today, the Motorola Foundation provides funding to higher education as well as a multitude of primary and secondary education programs assisting individuals to reach their greatest potential and to become lifelong learners.

Our goal is to augment the level of education levels for youth throughout the world where we do business. Where appropriate, we focus on math, science, and engineering education. Emphasis is also placed on assisting human services, primarily through support to local United Way organizations.

The Motorola Foundation provides funding to communities where Motorola has a major operating presence. The Foundation is a global entity and endeavors to support diversity efforts in all of its activities

Click here to find more information on other Motorola initiatives that foster innovation, support education and benefit the community.