Summary:
Today, strong partnerships are critical to developing pathways that inspire youth to succeed in STEM careers. Working alongside Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Symantec is playing a key role as an innovator and thought leader, increasing STEM programming and opportunities in the communities in which we serve.
Introduction:
Each year Symantec worldwide works with thousands of internal and external stakeholders to help drive progress within our four philanthropic focus areas: science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education; online safety; diversity; and environmental responsibility. Today, we take a look at STEM, and how Symantec is partnering and inspiring youth to become our future leaders and innovators.
Symantec is committed to promoting STEM education, and helping today’s youth understand and prepare for the vast career opportunities these fields offer. In fact, one goal, outlined in Symantec’s recently released FY14 Corporate Responsibility Report, is to excite, engage and educate one million students in STEM education through global nonprofit partnerships, with an emphasis on computer science and cybersecurity, by 2020 with an investment of US$20 million.
BGCA’s STEM Great Think
As Symantec looks toward the future, there’s a significant opportunity to advance STEM education in the out-of-school time (OST) space. That’s why in May 2014, Symantec joined with thought leaders representing higher education, government, corporations and nonprofit organizations to participate in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) STEM Great Think, the first national thought leadership forum to combine innovation and creativity with STEM programming in the OST environment. The result of this conference was a white paper published in October 2014: “Advancing Underrepresented Youth in STEM During Out-of-School Time.”
“The real challenge is getting our kids to understand that careers in STEM exist—that you can see beyond what’s at the end of your own block and your own street,” said Pandit F. Wright, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington during the STEM Great Think discussion.
With the goals to examine critical issues affecting America’s youth, develop plans for establishing strategic partnerships that advance OST STEM education, and engage more underrepresented youth in these disciplines to set them on the path to successful careers, the STEM Great Think featured a panel discussion and roundtable session in which participants offered guidance for OST providers.
“The STEM Great Think brought together an incredible group of innovators to discuss different challenges that kids face and how we can improve their educational experiences and positively impact their futures,” said Ken Schneider, vice president and fellow at Symantec and participant in the Great Think.
During the discussion, Schneider’s group was tasked with evaluating societal pressures and ingrained thinking and exploring the hurdles that many kids face. He heard stories from Club youth in which a strong support system helped them overcome challenges early in their education and build confidence and ultimately perseverance.
“This session was a great reminder about the fragile nature of education and how quickly many kids might give up if they don’t have strong teachers, parents and mentors available to encourage them,” said Schneider. “It was very evident the positive impact that OST programs, including Boys & Girls Clubs, can have in inspiring more underrepresented youth to become the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”
“I was very proud to represent Symantec at this event and continue to be impressed with the commitment the company has made to STEM and BGCA. We have great resources and a very smart team. Our investment can make a significant impact in the lives of these Club kids,” said Schneider.
A bright future for STEM education
Helping to provide access to quality programs is one of the most important things Symantec can do to encourage STEM studies. Since the beginning of 2013, Symantec has supported the development of BGCA’s highly engaging STEM programming. Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place for children to learn and grow, all while having fun. With more than 4,100 Clubs serving nearly four million young people annually through their after-school and summer programs and community outreach, partnering with BGCA continues to have a huge impact.
With Symantec’s support, Clubs have taken part in programs such as the national high school cyberdefense competition, an underwater robotics project; and a digital game design curriculum. Also, Symantec employees share their advice and expertise in the “STEM 101: Careers” article series on myclubmylife.com to help Club members learn more about what they can do to prepare for an educational path and career in STEM.
In addition, Symantec provides mini-grants, smaller funds allocated to individual Clubs in cities in which Symantec has employees, to help these locations expand their STEM programs. Over the past year, nearly 800 STEM program sessions were held in 10 Clubs thanks to Symantec’s grants. These Clubs saw an increase in daily attendance and were able to successfully recruit more children by promoting their STEM programs.
“At BGCA, our aim is to ensure that all Club members graduate and are globally competitive leaders. By providing STEM mini-grants to Clubs, we were able to support the critical work of ensuring that Club youth become aware of possible STEM career opportunities, engage in meaningful hands-on learning experiences, and build core competencies in creative thinking and problem-solving,” said Edwin Link, senior director of academic success, arts and innovation at BGCA.
Symantec continues to explore opportunities to support BGCA’s efforts in positive youth development, including serving on BGCA’s STEM Advisory Council and volunteering at local Clubs.
To review the white paper that resulted from BGCA’s Great Think, visit: “Advancing Underrepresented Youth in STEM During Out-of-School Time.”
Get involved
- To learn more about STEM programs and opportunities at Boys & Girls Clubs, visit www.GreatFutures.org.
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