The Foundation for Portland Public Schools (FPPS) has just received a contribution from Generac Power Systems to help expand STEM programming in the Portland Public Schools. The funding will be used to purchase sets of Bee-Bots for each of the 10 elementary schools in the district. Bee-Bots are an interactive learning tool to introduce PreK-2nd grade students to some of the basic concepts of coding. It can help them learn about robotics, sequencing, programming, and overall problem-solving skills.

“We are grateful to Generac for their support which will allow us to purchase Bee-Bots for our elementary schools. Young students love to engage with this push-button robot and at the same time they learn computational thinking skills in a playful way,” said Courtney Graffius, the technology integration coordinator for the Portland Public Schools.

Bee-Bots are one element of a range of new curriculum, programming, and supports that the Portland Public Schools are rolling out to increase rigorous and engagement STEM learning.

“STEM education is a primary focus area for us in Generac’s community giving,” said Emily Eschner of Generac Power Systems in South Portland. “We are proud to be able to invest in our public schools and help get new technology in the hands of the next generation of innovators.” 

Generac Power Systems, headquartered in Waukesha, WI, has a South Portland office location that employs over 100 people in their Generac Clean Energy Solutions business group, primarily in engineering and technical disciplines. Generac designs and sells solar + storage battery solutions for homeowners and small businesses with the goal of  accelerating the transition to clean energy.

PHOTO: Bee-Bots

About The Foundation for Portland Public Schools
The Foundation for Portland Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that strives to be a catalyst for increased educational opportunities, achievement, and equity for all Portland Public Schools students and staff. The Foundation’s work is closely aligned with the Portland Promise, the comprehensive plan of the Portland Public Schools.

About Generac Power Systems, Inc.
Generac Power Systems, Inc. (NYSE: GNRC) is a leading energy technology company that provides advanced power grid software solutions, backup and prime power systems for home and industrial applications, solar + battery storage solutions, virtual power plant platforms and engine- and battery powered tools and equipment. Founded in 1959, Generac introduced the first affordable backup generator and later created the category of automatic home standby generator - a market in which  nearly eight of ten generators sold is a Generac. The company is committed to sustainable, cleaner energy products poised to revolutionize the 21st century electrical grid.