David Kott, a Magna senior software engineer, volunteers nearly 400 hours a year helping students in First Robotics, the international program designed to get kids excited about STEM careers.

“One of my goals is to encourage young women to take up the yoke of a STEM career,” said Kott, one of the many Magna employees dedicated to First Robotics. “I really enjoy seeing students grow and understand something new.”

Kott mentors The Riveters, a mostly female team from Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, Michigan. (Some of the members of the girls-only school have invited their brothers to join.) The team patterns its look and attitude after Rosie the Riveter, the iconic symbol of women working in U.S. defense industries during World War II.?

Dressed in red-and-white polka dot kerchiefs and blue work shirts, The Riveters exude confidence and a can-do spirit during robotics competitions. They say their spunk is inspired by Magna mentors like Kott.

In addition to The Riveters, Magna co-sponsors other robotics teams, including Blue Ignition in Saltillo, Mexico, and Frog Force 503, a Novi, Michigan team.

“Magna engineers are helping us become free thinkers and creative engineers,” said Katie Mueller, a 17-year-old team member who plans to study engineering in college. “Mr. Kott always tell us ‘You are the architect of your future.’”

The 44 members of The Riveters build and program robots – with names like “Opportunity” and “Polka Dot.” During competitions, the robots perform complicated tasks designed to simulate such activities as opening and loading a hatch on a spacecraft, and climbing steps.?

First Robotics participants learn how to develop skills ranging from engineering and coding to marketing, fundraising, brainstorming and teamwork.

In addition to The Riveters, Magna co-sponsors other robotics teams, including Blue Ignition in Saltillo, Mexico, and Frog Force 503, a Novi, Michigan team.

“It’s great to interact with real engineers at Magna who see us as the next workforce,” said Anne George, 17, a Novi High School senior and member of Frog Force 503.?

And they do. At the recent First Robotics World Championship in Detroit, a team of Magna talent recruiters was busy identifying promising students for future internships.

“This is absolutely about growing talent,” Shawnya Walker, the manager of talent acquisition for Magna Powertrain – Driveline Systems. “We’re here to mentor them and prepare them for the next step.”