Naval Facilities (NAVFAC) Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (EXWC) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Program has been awarded approximately $45,000 by the Department of Defense (DOD) STEM For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology (FIRST®) Robotics Grant Program to increase STEM education programs across Ventura County.

NAVFAC EXWC was awarded 28 grant proposals from FIRST, in addition to Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme Division (PHD) 21 awarded FIRST grants, bringing the total of awarded funds for Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) STEM programs to nearly $80,000.

The awarded grants will create a FIRST Lego League, Jr. for youth grades K through fourth grade; FIRST Lego League for youth in forth through eighth grade; FIRST Tech Challenge for students in seventh through twelfth grade; and FIRST Robotics for students in ninth through twelfth grade. From the awarded funds, 28 new FIRST teams will develop, in addition to expanding the current 21 FIRST teams throughout Ventura County.

Each FIRST program wholeheartedly focuses on the mission to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging students in exciting mentor-based programs that build STEM skills, inspire innovation, and foster well-rounded life capabilities, including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

“Exposing youth to STEM-based education is increasingly important in today’s complex professional landscape,” said Carina Morgan, NAVFAC EXWC STEM Program Manager. “After receiving the DOD STEM Robotics Grants, NAVFAC EXWC will continue to work to grow our current STEM initiatives to provide hands-on curriculum and real-world applications for students throughout the region.”

Organizations that were able to bring these programs to fruition include the DOD, FIRST Inspires, a DOD STEM partner; Naval Surface Warfare Center-Port Hueneme Division; the Ventura County Office of Education; Oxnard Community College; and Ventura United School District.  

For more news from NAVFAC EXWC’s STEM program, visit https://www.navfac.navy.mil/ or on Facebook @NAVFACEXWC

About Naval Facilities (NAVFAC) Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (EXWC):

NAVFAC EXWC is a command of more than 1,300 dedicated federal employees, contractors, and military personnel who provide specialized facilities engineering, technology solutions, and life-cycle management of expeditionary equipment to the Navy, Marine Corps, federal agencies, and other Department of Defense supported commands.

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For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/.