From The AAPS Educational Foundation and AAPSNews Service
Fiber laser technology leader IMRA America has donated $50,000 to The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation as part of its “One Million Reasons” fundraising campaign.” The donation will support math and science programs in the Ann Arbor Public Schools for the 2010-11 school year.
The company celebrates its 20th anniversary in Ann Arbor this year and IMRA America’s President Takashi Omitsu said education was critical to the company when selecting Ann Arbor as its headquarters and research facility.
“The availability of excellent education, from K to graduate school, was one of our most important criteria when selecting this site,” he said. “We have had great success bringing talent from all over the world to the Ann Arbor area. Choosing Ann Arbor has helped lead to today’s success.”
AAPSEF Executive Director Wendy Correll said she was pleased not only with the donation, but what it represents to the foundation and public education in Ann Arbor. “This is an important beginning to the long-range partnership we are forging with our local business community on behalf of excellence and innovation in our public schools,” said Correll. “We are deeply grateful that IMRA’s leadership acknowledges the importance of excellent math and science education in the development of our community’s workforce.
“They are truly making an investment in our shared future.”
During a back-to-school talk to staff this week, Ann Arbor Superintendent Todd Roberts noted that the fundraising campaign puts the nonprofit foundation on track to raise half a million dollars by the end of the calendar year to support programs in the district.
All proceeds from the campaign – including IMRA’s gift – will be directed to the Ann Arbor Public School District’s 2010-11 academic year. Donate to the foundation online by visiting the AAPS Educational Foundation website, or by sending a check payable to AAPSEF at 2555 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104. Call (734) 994-1969 for more information.
IMRA America was established in Ann Arbor in 1990 by one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, the Aisin Group, Japan. Today, IMRA America is active around the world. Research, development, prototyping, manufacturing, and marketing and sales of ultrafast fiber lasers are carried out at IMRA’s Ann Arbor headquarters.
The AAPS Educational Foundation is an independent nonprofit committed to helping all Ann Arbor Public Schools students achieve their highest potential by providing community support for innovative and excellent educational opportunities.
