In school we often learn a subject without fully understanding why that subject is important more broadly, and may be applied beyond our studies. In most cases, it is the reason we lose interest at some point with different subjects. Science, math and engineering can easily be one of these subjects. Students often learn the concepts theoretically, but are not exposed to their applications in real life and how central STEM is to many areas outside of science, math, technology and engineering – to nearly all industries.
Symantec has set a goal to excite, engage, and educate one million students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through global nonprofit partnerships, with an emphasis on computer science and cyber security, by 2020 with an investment of $20 million.
We are therefore dedicating time and invested resources (awarding grants) supporting organizations and initiatives that reach students to inspire them with the applicability and importance of STEM subjects. Last quarter, our employees were busy volunteering across the world to help students see and believe the exciting role that STEM plays in our world today and into the future.
India and Team Everest
Through a partnership with Team Everest, one of India’s largest youth focused nonprofits, Symantec conducted an educational science workshop for seventh and eighth standard school students.
A Symantec volunteer demonstrates STEM principles through engaging activitieswith youth in India.
Through a partnership with Team Everest, one of India’s largest youth focused nonprofits, Symantec conducted an educational science workshop for seventh and eighth standard school students. Working with a Team Everest representative, Symantec helped demonstrate STEM in action for the students.
For example, one activity involved a simple experiment of making a helicopter with a piece of paper. Step-by-step instructions were provided to the students who made and tested their own paper helicopters. Through this, the students walked through the mechanics of how air pressure is central to making helicopter blades rotate. Students were deeply engaged, able to participate and understand how basic science concepts are put into practice in their everyday lives.
Reading and Teen Tech City London
Symantec employees support London’s Tech Tech City event, where cybersecurity games such as creating a fake Facebook account inject fun into STEM and demonstrates the important role of technology and cybersecurity.
Symantec employees in Reading UK, shared their technical expertise at this years TeenTech City event in London, the city’s most inspiring Technology and Science event that was held at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club. The event brought over 200 scientists, engineers and technologists to this prestigious venue to share a day of challenges and experiments with students from 500 schools across London. Symantec employees facilitated over 50 students and teachers throughout the day, educating them on a Cyber Security Game, and exposing the opportunity for students to experiment with fake face book accounts and individual profiles.
Dublin and I Wish
Only 17% of Irish University first time entrants into computer science are female, only 24% of first time entrants into engineering are female. To help increase interest in STEM, 14 Symantec employees volunteered over 200 hours, throughout two days at the 2017 I Wish STEM event in Dublin. Over 2,000 girls attended the event that this year focused on “how STEM can change the world” to appeal to females who are often looking for a career that has a social impact.
The Symantec volunteer team informed and educated students to help influence their subject choices in school and show them what a career in STEM might look like. It was also an opportunity to engage with their teachers who are significant influencers in the classroom. In total 217 volunteer hours were donated by Symantec employees.
Warsaw and Dom Dickau Orphanage
Employees from Symantec’s Warsaw, Poland office donated recycled IT equipment to the Dom Dickau Orphanage, developing working computers and equipment to help the children research for their studies. Moving forward, the team will offer virtual language lessons to further support their learning.
Employees from Symantec’s Warsaw, Poland office donated recycled IT equipment to the Dom Dickau Orphanage to support student studies.