Originally published on EVANNEX.
As the Gigafactory in Nevada continues to grow, so does Tesla’s commitment to local schools. Tesla is looking to “give students more access to specialized fields of study such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM),” according to Teslarati. JB Straubel, Tesla’s co-founder and CTO, explains, “The demand for STEM jobs in Nevada will continue to grow dramatically over the next few years.”
 Students visiting the Tesla Gigafactory (Image by Tesla, via Teslarati) |
So, what is Tesla planning to do? It turns out, “Tesla officials [have] stated that it would be issuing an initial grant of $1.5 million to the state’s K-12 education system. The donation is the first part of a $37.5 million grant that Tesla is set to roll out for the next few years, as a means for the company to help develop STEM talent within the state.”
The initial grant is being planned for recipients with an emphasis on STEM initiatives including robotics, battery research, energy sustainability, and even a Solar Rollers program, “which would challenge high school students to design, build, and race solar-powered radio-controlled vehicles.”
Officials in Nevada plan to use a $37.5 million Tesla donation for the STEM educational program (Youtube: KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas)
In addition, Tesla’s “grant will also be used to provide 250 scholarships for students in underserved communities, where qualifying individuals could attend overnight learning programs … as well as a pledge to support the state’s veterans.”
Teslarati reports that this is all part of “Tesla’s Gigafactory incentive deal [as] the battery facility is expected to increase regional employment by 10%, with a total economic impact of around $100 billion. This economic impact is expected to increase Nevada’s regional GDP by 20% … [generating] around $1.9 billion” within the state of Nevada.
Tesla’s donation to Nevada schools, along with other efforts like the company’s START program, are prepping the next generation to help create a sustainable, clean energy future.
Source: Teslarati via Nevada Appeal
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