Blake Moret (left) and Jay Flores (right) of Rockwell Automation presented a ceremonial check for $12M to FIRST President Donald Bossi (second from right) and two FIRST Robotics teams at Automation Fair. Despite the growing, industry-wide need for STEM-educated professionals, few companies would invest in a position such as Flores holds today. Even fewer would invest in FIRST to the tune of the $12M, four-year grant that Rockwell Automation announced this week at Automation Fair in Atlanta. "Through our technology and people, we are helping to inspire the next generation of innovators to fill the talent pipeline for our customers and for our company," said Blake Moret, president and CEO, Rockwell Automation. "Our strategic partnership with FIRST helps us increase our reach and visibility to STEM students around the world."