PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) , the country’s leading integrated competitive power company, has named FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an organization dedicated to inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders, as a flagship non-profit in the company’s Global Giving program. In addition to financial support, NRG employees actively provide unique, real-world expertise to FIRST participants by acting as mentors to FIRST teams across the country.
NRG’s relationship with FIRST began in 2013. Since then, employee mentorship has nearly doubled and NRG’s financial support has grown more than 280 percent, as the company became a strategic partner, a top-tier sponsor of FIRST. This exponential growth is rooted in NRG’s commitment to innovation, recognizing that as the energy business evolves, those with a passion for science and technology will be the future of the industry.
“Innovation and technology are central to NRG’s business and the evolution of technology is what ensures that we maintain our competitive advantage into the future,” said Mauricio Gutierrez, President and CEO, NRG. “That’s why we are proud to support FIRST and their commitment to STEM education. These young competitors, are transforming into true innovators and visionaries and have the unique ability to see infinite possibilities and deliver bold strategies to overcome complex problems and achieve success.”
Beyond financed corporate sponsorship of FIRST, NRG employees mentor and support 21 teams. Of the teams NRG employees mentored this season, we’re proud to announce that six NRG-mentored teams will be headed to the FIRST Championship in St. Louis on April 27. NRG would like to recognize and applaud Klein Bots, Team Mercury, The MidKnight Inventors, Team Cyborg, WestyTek, and Error 404: Team name not found, for their outstanding success this season, and wish them luck as they proceed to FIRST Championship.
“We cannot wait to see all of the teams at FIRST Championship as this program is shaping not only the brilliant minds of these young leaders, but also providing them with real-life skills that place them on the path to becoming exceptional adults,” said Jennifer Brunelle, Director of Global Giving, NRG. “Experiencing the excitement and Coopertition® first-hand is so inspiring. I couldn’t be more proud to introduce FIRST as the inaugural flagship non-profit for our evolving charitable giving program.”
NRG will have an on-site experience at the FIRST Innovation Faire, booth #211, in The Grande Mariott Hotel, St. Louis, showcasing the company’s acclaimed energy-education mobile game, The Path to Luma.
About NRG
NRG is the leading integrated power company in the U.S., built on the strength of the nation’s largest and most diverse competitive electric generation portfolio and leading retail electricity platform. A Fortune 200 company, NRG creates value through best in class operations, reliable and efficient electric generation, and a retail platform serving residential and commercial businesses. Working with electricity customers, large and small, we continually innovate, embrace and implement sustainable solutions for producing and managing energy. We aim to be pioneers in developing smarter energy choices and delivering exceptional service as our retail electricity providers serve almost 3 million residential and commercial customers throughout the country. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG Energy on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.