By 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be an estimated 229,000 jobs related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in North Carolina. To address this anticipated need, Bosch, which has long been a supporter of education, says it is dedicated to helping today’s students prepare for these important careers.

The Bosch Community Fund (BCF) presented an $80,000 grant to Olympic High School in Charlotte, N.C. The grant was given to the Olympic Foundation to support the Advanced Manufacturing Hub Machine Shop Project at Olympic High School. On Dec. 11, Berend Bracht, president and CEO of Bosch Rexroth Americas, presented a check to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education.

“Helping to foster students’ interest in and excitement about STEM-related careers is a priority for Bosch,” said Bracht, who also serves as chairman of the BCF Board of Directors. “We strive to provide resources to teachers and offer positive opportunities for students. Industry working in concert with academia is key to helping develop the next-generation STEM workforce. Preparing students for these jobs is crucial not only to the growth of the individual, but also to industry and to the communities in which they live and work.”

Mike Realon, Olympic’s career & community development coordinator, commented, “We are thrilled that the Bosch Community Fund is making this kind of significant and meaningful contribution to 21st Century technical education at Olympic High School. This type of donation will go a long way in helping us to build an Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center here in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District, and to give our graduates the great head start they need in their future technical careers.”