Funds Sources: Romanian United Foundation                

Project Name: CNS Alumni & RUF Microgrant for CNapSys Robotics  FIRST Championship 2026     

Partner: Alumni Club of the Silvania National College 🔗 website

Starting Date: June, 2026

Financing: Completed

Project Status: Finished

Financed by CNS Alumni in America & RUF Microgrant for Education: $6,605

Short Description:

CNapSys, the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team of Colegiul Național Silvania in Zalău, earned qualification to the 2026 FIRST World Championship in Fort Worth, Texas. CNS Alumni in America rallied to raise $5,605 for the team, and Romanian United Foundation added a $1,000 Microgrant for Education — together covering travel, lodging, and competition costs for this rare achievement.

Details:

Founded in 2022 as a rookie team, CNapSys — Team #22586 from Colegiul Național Silvania — competed against teams from around the world and earned qualification to the 2026 FIRST Championship, one of the largest student robotics competitions in the world.

Moved by the team's success, alumni of Colegiul Național Silvania now living in America came together to raise $5,605 for Help CNapSys Go to America, with Romanian United Foundation contributing an additional $1,000 RUF Microgrant for Education — bringing the total to $6,605. The funds covered international travel, lodging, registration, and robot shipping for the FIRST Championship, held June 9–10, 2026 in Fort Worth, plus uniforms, banners, and contingency support for the students and mentors representing Romania.

This project reflects one of the most powerful forces in diaspora philanthropy: the enduring bond alumni feel toward their own high school. Few causes resonate more personally than the school that shaped you, and Romanian United Foundation makes that connection actionable, bridging Romanians abroad with the schools and students they once called their own, turning alumni pride into direct, meaningful support for the next generation back home.

Funds Sources: Mihai Lehene, Personal Funds

Project Name: CNS Computer Lab

Learn More: Facebook

Affiliate Organization: Colegiul National Silvania (Profile)

Starting Date: ongoing project

Financing: $15,000

Project Status: CLOSED

This project was financed by CNS (Colegiul National Silvania) alumni Mihai Lehene in 2022.

During the Spring vacation in 2022, Mihai visited the computer lab together with the High School Principal, Mr. Florin Morar. The condition of the lab was deplorable, the humidity was seeping through the floors and walls, and the electrical network was putting the kids' lives in danger every day.

After renovation, approximately 150 children use this laboratory for Computer Science classes per day. The children now study in a clean, sanitized, bright environment, free of sources of disease (mold).