91视频

Daimler Trucks North America will award a total of $250,000 in grants to nearly 40 high schools in the Portland-metro area and Southwest Washington for career and technical education.

The $7,000 Daimler Education in Motion grants will support science, technology, engineering and math programs. The aim is to help educate the next generation of engineers and manufacturing workers, Daimler spokeswoman Tracy Darchini said.

鈥淓ngineering is a huge part of our business with designing new, innovative products,鈥� she said.

Since the grant program started last year, Daimler has awarded approximately $775,000 to Portland-area schools. Grants awarded in 2013 helped 34 high schools purchase items including robotics, welding and other machinery equipment, smart boards for science classrooms, graphic design or 3-D modeling software and AutoCAD textbooks.

Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland allocated grant money for freshmen in geometry classes to design and construct a play structure for a day care center as well as a shelter at the Dignity Village homeless camp in Northeast Portland, Darchini said.

鈥淭hey taught the kids not just geometry, but to give back,鈥� she said.

A Daimler employee volunteers at each high school that receives grant money. Last year, volunteers gave classroom presentations, offered job shadow opportunities and mock interviews, and provided other nonmonetary support to career and technical education programs, Darchini said.