Today the FIRST® in Texas Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding, training and supporting FIRST® Robotics programs across the state of Texas, announced it will be the sole beneficiary of funds raised by the Freescale Foundation during the 2015 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, presented by Freescale. The Foundation proceeds will help FIRST® in Texas, which is managed by Austin-based Skillpoint Alliance, address the growing demands of the STEM workforce and inspire young students to become future science and technology leaders.

TWEET: .@freescale giving all funds raised during 2015 @austinmarathon to @FIRSTinTexas @skillpoint #STEM #omgrobots #RunAustin

“We are excited to partner with the Freescale Foundation to raise money and awareness for FIRST® in Texas teams and events,” said Jessica Galfas, Director of the FIRST® in Texas Foundation. “We believe that just as running is fitness for the body, robotics is fitness for the mind. This partnership will help us reach our vision that every Texas student, no matter their gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, has the opportunity to participate in FIRST® robotics, a program that celebrates STEM teamwork just like sports.”

According to Wanted Technologies and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top technology job openings with the most hiring difficulty throughout Austin and surrounding areas include a vast range of engineering-focused careers, such as software quality assurance engineers and testers, web developers, and computer systems engineers and architects.

“By fundraising or running for the Freescale Foundation, participants are helping to increase our program's reach to communities across the state. Through their engagement with robotics, students are inspired to become our future leaders and high tech superstars,” continued Galfas.

Designed to ensure every student in Texas has access to robotics and hands-on learning that build science, engineering and technology skills, FIRST® in Texas programs impacted 4,180 students across the state in 2013 alone by creating the opportunity to compete in robotics competitions at state and national levels.

As the presenting sponsor of the 2015 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, Freescale’s mission is to work with organizations like FIRST® in Texas to further inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields, as well as foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

“The Freescale Foundation looks to support local organizations that are shaping the next generation of innovators and scientists,” said Alan Campbell, chairman of the Freescale Foundation. “We are excited to name FIRST® in Texas as our beneficiary for the 2015 Austin Marathon fundraising efforts and look forward to contributing to the expansion of US FIRST®’s unique and highly impactful robotics programs. Our organizations are both heavily committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators.”

To sign up to run with the Freescale Foundation in support of FIRST® in Texas in the 2015 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, please register at youraustinmarathon.com. During race registration, participants are asked if they would like to fundraise and if so, for which charity. For further information see http://youraustinmarathon.com/austin-givesmiles.

ABOUT FIRST® in Texas Foundation

The FIRST® in Texas Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports FIRST® Robotics teams and events across Texas with a focus on increasing accessibility for low-income and underrepresented students. FIRST® participants are significantly more likely to attend college, major in science or engineering, and be outstanding employees and citizens. FIRST® in Texas is managed by Skillpoint Alliance, a 501(c)(3) social enterprise based in Austin, Texas that builds human capital through STEM workforce training programs. To disperse hundreds of thousands of dollars in team grants each year, FIRST® in Texas works closely with US FIRST®, which inspires young people to be science and technology leaders through robotics. US FIRST® engages students in exciting mentor-based programs that build STEM skills, inspire innovation and foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

ABOUT FREESCALE FOUNDATION

Founded in 2013, the Freescale Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education for K-12 students in the communities where Freescale employees live and work. Whether it is unveiling the fun science behind model rockets, the engineering that enables robots or the technology that drives automotive advancement, the foundation aims to empower the innovators of tomorrow.