2026-2027 Panasonic Foundation Grant (SoCal FTC)

2026-2027 Panasonic Foundation Grant (SoCal FTC) is sponsored by Panasonic Foundation. Panasonic is awarding $300 grants to 40 Southern California FTC teams for the purpose of registering for league meets.

The Panasonic Foundation | Panasonic North America - United States In a world where missed opportunities are costly, the Panasonic Foundation is dedicated to bridging the divide between the educational inequities of today and the limitless possibilities of tomorrow.

Since 1984, we've been committed to understanding and addressing the complex challenges that prevent students – especially those from underserved communities – from accessing life-changing educational opportunities. The "new national debt" of educational inequity affects millions of U.S. students, particularly in STEM fields, limiting their potential and the future prosperity of our society.

Declining test scores, labor shortages in STEM, and racial and gender disparities in technical careers highlight an urgent need for action. Inspired by Panasonic's century-long legacy of contributing positively to society, the Panasonic Foundation is focused on fostering innovation and inclusion.

We work in collaboration with partners to provide early, equitable access to STEM education and careers, aiming to: Support under-resourced schools and educators Close the STEM gender gap and highlight inspiring female role models Inspire creative thinking for groundbreaking solutions and innovations Together, we are nurturing a diverse generation of future innovators equipped to lead in a 21st-century global economy.

Inspired by Panasonic’s century-long legacy of positive societal impact, the Panasonic Foundation fosters innovation and inclusion through early, equitable access to STEM education and careers.

In collaboration with partners, we: Support under-resourced schools and educators with resources and professional development; Expand STEM opportunity through mentorship and exposure, and showcase a diverse array of industry role models; Encourage creative problem-solving for groundbreaking solutions in a 21st-century global context.

Together, we nurture a generation of future innovators equipped to succeed based on merit, opportunity, and resource access. Panasonic Foundation: At a Glance For more than four decades, the Panasonic Foundation has advanced educational equity by evolving alongside the needs of students, communities, and the future workforce.

Guided by Panasonic’s commitment to Contribution to Society, the Foundation focuses on long-term partnerships that drive sustainable impact. Panasonic Foundation is Established Founded to strengthen public education systems and advance educational equity-anchored in Panasonic's guiding principle of Contribution to Society. Throughout the 1990s, the Panasonic Foundation expanded its long-term partnerships with urban school districts.

Supported the launch of the NJNS In December 2008, the New Jersey Network of Superintendents (NJNS) launched with the goal of creating a network to support superintendents in their development as equity-focused leaders. In 2008, Panasonic pivoted to STEM-focused philanthropy to align with Panasonic’s business presence. This year also saw the launch of the company's employee volunteerism initiative.

40 Years of Impact with Intent In July 2024, the Panasonic Foundation celebrated 40 years of impact, reaching more than 1. 5 million students and continuously evolving to achieve sustainable impact scaling from the neighborhood to the nation. The Panasonic Foundation offers multi-year grants designed to ensure the continuity of programs, fostering sustainable and impactful changes in the lives of students.

1. 5M+ students reached nationwide 30+ nonprofit and education partners supported 85% of students served from low-income backgrounds STEM and workforce-aligned grantmaking integrated with employee engagement 40 Years of Impact with Intent July 18, 2024 marks 40 years since the founding of the Panasonic Foundation.

In that time, the Foundation has continuously evolved and sharpened its focus areas to achieve sustainable impact scaling from the neighborhood to the nation. Evolution & Growth. Shifted to an integrated corporate pillar with a stronger focus on "where we live and work."

Good Neighbors & Engaged Partners. Good neighbors are neighbors who spend time together, strengthen one another and share in the success of the next generation. Efficient & Aligned Giving.

Deeply rooted in Panasonic’s values, vision and Basic Business Philosophy, ensuring dollars are not wasted and all activities can be sustained. Consistency.

An unwavering focus on promoting literacy, creating greater access to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education & preparing students for a brighter future Building on its legacy, the Panasonic Foundation continues to evolve—expanding access to STEM education, supporting future-ready skills, and fostering partnerships that strengthen workforce pathways.

Panasonic Foundation and STEM Next Launch National AI Challenge Program helps develop AI literacy, strengthen durable skills, and prepare for STEM and AI-enabled careers with up to $5,000 awarded for out-of-school-time programs.

Investing in STEM Education Across the Kansas City Region The Panasonic Foundation is supporting Junior Achievement and KC STEM Alliance, hands-on learning that build confidence, spark curiosity, and connect classroom learning to future careers. Collaborating with NIA, bully!

entertainment & NASA New platform integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, encouraging students to use critical and creative thinking skills to look at sustainability in new ways.

Marking 40 Years of Advancing Equitable Access to STEM Education Keynote speaker U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten addressed 100+ attendees about the importance of investing in youth and advancing educational equity and workforce readiness.

President, Panasonic Connect North America General Counsel, Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America President, Panasonic Automotive Systems of America President, Panasonic Industrial Devices Sales Company of America Jeff Werner (Board Chair) VP Corporate & Government Affairs, Panasonic North America VP of OSII and Executive Director of Panasonic Foundation Manager, Program Officer, Panasonic Foundation and Corporate Contributions Associate General Counsel, Corporate Affairs & Litigation, Panasonic North America