School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. (SBPLI) received $25,000 as part of theInnovation Generation grant program from the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions, Inc., during a check presentation at SBPLI's Third Annual Fred Breithut Memorial Golf Tournament at the Wind Watch Golf & Country Club in Hauppauge. The grant will ensure that SBPLI will be able to continue to host the Long Island Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition (FRC), which hosts 50 schools from Long Island, the metropolitan New York area and other states.

Since 2007, the Innovation Generation 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 program awards funds to organizations such as SBPLI that foster and support STEM initiatives for teachers and U.S. preschool through university students – especially girls and underrepresented minorities.

“This grant will help SBPLI provide the opportunity to showcase the talents of these high school students who have a deep interest in science, engineering and technology,” said SBPLI’s executive director, Joani Madarash. “We are thankful for Motorola Solutions Foundation’s generous donation and their support for our organization and our programs.”

The FIRST Robotics Competition is held every year at Hofstra University. Each year, high school students work with professional mentors to design and build a robot over a six-week timeframe using a kit of parts and a standard set of rules. During the competition, they learn about problem solving, teamwork and gracious professionalism.

“Each year, I am truly amazed by the ground-breaking work our grant recipients like SBPLI accomplish through their Innovation Generation grants,” said Matt Blakely, director of 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 SBPLI.”

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