Wolfspeed Expands Global Partnership with FIRST® Robotics Competition to Advance Access to STEM Education
As part of its belief that everyone should have access to STEM education and an opportunity to excel, Wolfspeed has announced its global sponsorship of FIRST® Robotics Competition to support STEM access around the world.
DURHAM, N.C. – February 20, 2024 – Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF), the global leader in silicon carbide technology, today announced an expanded partnership with FIRST® Robotics Competition to take their shared commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educationinternational. Together, they will sponsor hands-on STEM programs that combine the excitement of athletics with the rigors of science and technology for high school students around the world. This new global sponsorship builds on Wolfspeed’s existing partnership with FIRST to sponsor competitions in the United States.
“At Wolfspeed, inspiring young minds in STEM fields is a core part of our values,” said Wolfspeed Chief Human Resources Officer, Margaret Chadwick. “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with FIRST Robotics Competition on a global scale. The hands-on learning and enthusiastic competition will ignite passion and innovation in students worldwide, while preparing them to become the next generation of inventors and leaders. Together with FIRST, we are committed to making a lasting impact and fostering diversity in our industry through STEM engagement across the globe.”
Wolfspeed’s 2023-2024 season partnership includes a team grant to “Neon Krakens,” the only FIRST Robotics Competition Team in Chatham County, North Carolina. The county is the site of Wolfspeed’s new silicon carbide manufacturing facility, currently under construction and set to be the world’s largest factory of its kind.
"FIRST is dedicated to inspiring young minds in STEM fields and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in today's ever-evolving world,” said Collin Fultz, Senior Director, FIRST Robotics Competition. “We are excited to expand our collaboration with Wolfspeed, enhancing the excitement of FIRST Robotics Competition for students worldwide. This partnership will not only help us further ignite a passion for STEM, but also foster diversity in our industry, ultimately helping us create a more innovative and inclusive future."
About FIRST:
FIRST is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured after-school programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors that include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges. An international not-for-profit organization founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. Participants and alumni of FIRST programs gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life. Learn more at firstinspires.org.
About Wolfspeed, Inc.:
Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) leads the market in the worldwide adoption of silicon carbide technologies. We provide industry-leading solutions for efficient energy consumption and a sustainable future. Wolfspeed’s product families include silicon carbide material and power devices targeted for various applications such as electric vehicles, fast charging, and renewable energy and storage. We unleash the power of possibilities through hard work, collaboration and a passion for innovation. Learn more at www.wolfspeed.com.
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Wolfspeed® is a registered trademark of Wolfspeed, Inc. FIRST® is a registered trademark of For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.
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FIRST Media Contact:
Media Relations:
Haley Morse
Senior Manager of Communications
603-666-3906 x494
hmorse@firstinspires.org
Wolfspeed Media Contact:
Media Relations:
Katie Weaver
Account Director
G&S Business Communications
929-390-5441
wolfspeed@gscommunications.com