Forward Foundation Awards Grant

The Forward Foundation has awarded a $1,500 grant to the River Falls Robotics Booster Club. This funding is dedicated to enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for students from kindergarten through 12th grade within the River Falls community.

Investing in Future Innovators

The Forward Foundation, an organization committed to advancing manufacturing and technical education in Wisconsin, recognizes that the path to a high-tech career begins with early exposure. By supporting the Booster Club, the Foundation is investing in a program that bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.

The grant will support various levels of the River Falls robotics ecosystem, including:

• FIRST LEGO League (K-5): Introducing young learners to coding and engineering fundamentals.

• VEX Robotics (Middle School): Challenging students with complex design and programming tasks.

• FIRST Robotics RoboCats (High School): Providing "varsity sport for the mind" experiences through large-scale robot builds and regional competitions.

A Mission of Growth

The River Falls Robotics Booster Club serves as the non-profit backbone for these teams, ensuring that financial barriers—such as the cost of specialized parts and competition fees—do not prevent students from participating. Through these programs, students develop critical skills in project management, collaborative problem-solving, and technical proficiency.

The goal of the Forward Foundation is to enhance educational opportunities for those pursuing careers in manufacturing and technology. This partnership directly contributes to developing Wisconsin’s future workforce, preparing students for high-demand roles in engineering and programming.

As the program continues to grow, the $1,500 grant provides essential resources to keep River Falls students at the forefront of innovation. To learn more or get involved, visit the Forward Foundation and the River Falls Robotics Booster Club.