Grand Rapids-based supply chain automation and solutions provider Dematic announced on August 8 that a local Katy student, Rafael Calderon, was a 2024 recipient of the company’s 2024 Dematic FIRST® scholarship program. Calderon, a 2024 graduate of Cinco Ranch High School, was awarded $1,000 to put towards an Architecture/Engineering degree at Houston Community College. The program is part of Dematic’s continued partnership with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an education nonprofit that prepares science and robotics students for careers in advanced technology. Over the past four years, Dematic has awarded $60,000 in scholarships. recognizing students dedicated to pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The scholarship program underscores Dematic’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators in the supply chain and logistics industry.

“This year's Dematic FIRST scholarship winners are truly exceptional,” says Mike Larsson, President of Dematic and Executive Board Member of KION Group. “The skills and experiences they’ve gained through the FIRST program will propel them not only to successful careers in STEM but also to becoming future leaders. The high caliber of this year’s applicants highlights our need for continued investment in STEM education. By empowering these future leaders, we're paving the way for the next generation.”

Now in its fourth year, the Dematic FIRST scholarship program attracted applications from students across 28 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada. Dematic executives reviewed all applications, selecting honorees based on their academic excellence and commitment to pursuing a future in STEM. The program requires applicants to provide their transcripts, a one-page essay discussing a future where humans and machines interact in the warehouse, and a letter of recommendation. In addition, they must have previously competed in a FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge.

Dematic is dedicated to supporting FIRST and its mission to engage youth to become skilled professionals, creative thinkers, and well-rounded citizens. Dematic employees actively contribute to FIRST teams by providing mentorship and guidance to students helping to foster their development. Last year, Dematic sponsored 18 FIRST teams and donated $68,000 to support students as they prepared for competitions and careers in STEM. Since 2008, Dematic has sponsored teams participating in FIRST robotics competitions and invested more than $310,000 in local teams, events, and student scholarships, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of STEM professionals. To learn more, visit dematic.com.