NI CITIZENSHIP REPORT

Corporate Philanthropy and Advocacy

Corporate Advocacy

National Instruments established a government relations program at corporate headquarters to advocate for the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and other efforts that help ensure the participation of today’s students in tomorrow’s innovations. By building relationships with government officials and agencies, NI is better equipped to fulfill its commitment to customers, shareholders, suppliers, and employees by advocating for policies that reflect NI core values.

Through NI advocacy efforts for STEM education, the state of Texas awarded a $1 million USD grant to FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in Texas to help advance student proficiency in technology through involvement in robotics competitions.

Texas Robotics Grant Deliverables

	Grant Goal
Number of new teams	230
Number of participating students	2,900
Number of participating volunteers	300
Number of participating mentors	200
Number of new statewide or regional robotics competitions	13

Additionally, NI is a member of TechAmerica, a trade association representing nearly 1,200 companies from the high-tech industry. Through its membership with TechAmerica, NI provides input on a number of public policies ranging from STEM education to funding high-tech startups.

The NI government relations program remains focused on supporting government policies that help achieve business goals, promote growth, protect the interests of NI and its stakeholders, and make a positive impact on the communities in which NI operates.

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

Ray Almgren

Ray, NI vice president of marketing for core platforms, is one of the company’s biggest advocates for advancing STEM education in classrooms around the world. Under his leadership, NI has developed strategic partnerships with LEGO^® and FIRST and provided millions of dollars worth of NI technology to tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. Ray also has been instrumental in promoting the increase of hands-on learning in K-12 classrooms as well as in colleges and universities to better prepare students for STEM-related careers.