HERE NEWS
Lexington, SC 04/18/2024 –
Michelin North America’s Lexington, South Carolina leadership recently announced its continued investment and support of the Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation via a $30,000 commitment. The generous gift will support computer science education in Lexington District One at the middle school and high school levels. More specifically, Michelin’s donation will commit $10,000 for each of the next three school years to the Educational Foundation in order to provide financial support for the Lexington District One middle school and high school VEX robotics teams.
Supporting STEM Education
Currently, there are nine VEX robotics teams in the district that focus on and compete in VEX robotics at the local and state levels. Lexington One Foundation Executive Director Julie Anderson Washburn expressed gratitude for Michelin North America’s support, stating, “We are so thankful to the outstanding leaders at Michelin North America for their generous investments in STEM experiences via our VEX robotics teams in Lexington District One.”
Enhancing Skills and Opportunities
The educational experiences provided by the VEX robotics teams enable students to develop valuable STEM skills such as computer science, design, coding, and engineering, as well as soft skills including communications, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills not only prepare students for future careers in various industries, including manufacturing, but also contribute to their overall personal and professional growth.
Corporate Partnership
Chris Goumas, Michelin North America, Inc. Lexington, SC Site Director, emphasized the importance of preparing students for the future, stating, “As we see more automation and robotics in our everyday lives, we must prepare by ensuring our students are ready and able to take us into the future.” Michelin’s investment in the Lexington One Educational Foundation demonstrates the company’s commitment to fostering STEM education and preparing students for the evolving demands of the workforce.
Success and Impact
Since 2018, Michelin North America’s support for robotics learning in Lexington District One has proven successful. High school robotics teams in the district have consistently performed well in local and state competitions, earning spots in the prestigious VEX Worlds Competition held annually. Additionally, former robotics team members from the district have been employed by Michelin, allowing them to apply their skills directly in the workforce.
