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Community Choice Credit Union Supports Livonia's FIRST Robotics Teams

FARMINGTON -- Community Choice Credit Union has continued a pattern of giving big to ignite innovation in Michigan by making a $2,000 donation to FIRST Robotics in Livonia.

The donation will benefit both the Livonia Warriors and the Livonia Churchill District Tournament.

"FIRST provides teamwork and technology education in a competitive atmosphere where students learn by working hands-on," said Livonia Warrior team leader Isolina Carlini, an English teacher at Holmes Middle School. "We have an awesome group of kids who are anxious to explore new career options in a fun environment. Support from local groups like Community Choice Credit Union is crucial to the advancement of such efforts for students."

The Livonia Warriors is a team of students combined from the Livonia Public School's three high schools -- Stevenson, Franklin and Churchill. CCCU is supporting the team's 2012 expenses with a $1,500 donation. The donation will help pay for robot parts, tools, and computer software expenses associated with running a high-tech team.

An additional $500 is being donated to FIRST in Michigan to support the Livonia Churchill District Tournament. The tournament will be held from March 30-31. The event is one of nine FIRST Robotics tournaments to be held in Michigan. The top-performing teams will earn a spot in the FIRST of Michigan State Finals.

According to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. standing among selected nations dropped in 2006 below its 2000 rank in both mathematics and science. This data supports an overall decline in mathematics and scientific proficiency by today's youth. Recognized publicly by both President Bush and President Obama, FIRST provides the opportunity for teens to use their creativity and to learn scientific and mathematic skills that will fuel future American economies.

"FIRST Robotics provides an outlet for our youth to learn and it also sparks innovation which fuels growth in Michigan," said Robert Bava, President and CEO of Community Choice Credit Union. "This donation fits the spirit of our Community Choice Foundation which annually provides $100,000 in scholarships to high school seniors in our local communities."

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. With the support of many of the world's most well-known companies, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students, FIRST Lego League for children 9 to 14 years old, and Junior FIRST Lego League for 6 to 9 year-olds. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.   Community Choice Credit Union was established in 1935 and now serves individuals who live, work, or worship in Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw or Wayne County. In addition to the Farmington Hills headquarters, the credit union offers branch locations in New Hudson, Milford, Redford, Warren, and two locations in Livonia.

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