Public Service Company of Oklahoma was excitied to announce $22,000 in robotics grants to 19 public schools and Girl Scout teams throughout the state. The grants ranged from $400 to $2,000.  PSO has had a long history in supporting education and specifically STEM related learning. 

The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics grants program is a nationwide initiative that supports pre-kindergarten through grade 12 student education with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This multi-national robotics competition teams professionals and high school students together to solve an engineering problem in a challenging and competitive way. FIRST competitions are high-tech spectator sporting events demonstrating participants’ success in brainstorming, teamwork and meeting deadlines.

PSO’s parent company, American Electric Power, funds FIRST grants on behalf of its operating companies. AEP awarded 152 grants totaling $200,000 across its 11-state service area.

“Robotics are a fun way for students to learn important STEM skills that will last a lifetime,” said Tiffini Jackson, PSO vice president, external affairs.  “AEP and PSO want to encourage the next generation of innovators and engineers by supporting these firsthand experiences in science and technology.”

Know a teacher, robotics club or youth organization who would be interested?  More information on FIRST robotics programs can be found at: www.firstinspires.org.   Information on how to apply for an AEP robotics grant can be found at: aep.com/aepfirstgrant