Robotics, 3D Printing and Game App Development among innovative and fun curriculum elements getting students excited about Science and Math
IRVINE, CA – As the school year kicks into high gear, seventh and eighth grade students will have access to after school STEM programming, thanks to a generous grant from Chevron.
Earlier this year, Orange County United Way teamed up with BrainStorm, an Irvine-based science and math academy, to provide more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning opportunities for students at select District schools.
Chevron’s $75,000 grant to the United Way-led partnership allows expanding the program to more Orange County intermediate schools.
STEM Key to Preparing Today’s Students for 21st Century Workforce
STEM programming is designed to inspire and encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. These fields are expected to grow exponentially and play increasing important roles in the high-tech future.
However, U.S. students seem to be lagging behind the rest of the world. According to a 2012 study. U.S. students are ranked only 26th globally in math and science. Budget cuts, politics and bureaucratic hurdles only exasperate the problem within many U.S. school districts.
If America want to maintain its role as the world’s leader in technological innovation, it is imperative that these rankings improve. That’s why innovative public-private sector collaborative efforts are key to expanding opportunities for students.
STEM Education Part of United Way’s Countywide Effort to Cut High School Dropout Rate and Expand Career Opportunities for Orange County Students
Along with developing a world-class high-tech workforce, United Way’s STEM Education collaborative is a key element in the organization’s 10-year FACE 2024 community-wide action plan to cut Orange County’s high school dropout rate in half.
“We’re pleased to partner with United Way to offer STEM programming to our future leaders in science and technology,” announced Hector J. Infante, Chevron’s Manager, Policy, Public & Government Affairs and member of Orange County United Way’s Board of Directors.
Beyond contributions to their partner countries through direct business investments and taxes, Chevron contributes to local communities by making strategic social investments in three core areas: health, education and economic development.
“This investment in education helps to identify students’ individual talents and passions so they enjoy learning and are truly motivated to stay in school will fuel students on the road to on-time graduation. When learning is fun and harnesses kids’ imaginations and passions, they forget they’re in school and along the way acquire the very skills needed for career success,” explained Sergio Contreras, Director of Education, Orange County United Way.
To learn more about Orange County United Way, its FACE 2024 community-wide action plan, STEM and other education initiatives and partnerships, please visit the United Way website.
NEWS CONTACTS:
Katherine Ransom, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Orange County United Way 949.263.6176, katheriner@unitedwayoc.org
Michael Suydam
21Strat 949.981.5008, mike@21strat.com
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY:
Since 1924, Orange County United Way has been working to improve lives and strengthen our community by mobilizing the caring power of Orange County. To do this, we focus on the building blocks for a good quality of life: Education, Income, Health and Housing. By investing in Orange County’s children, families and individuals, we help them meet their most basic human needs, including food, shelter and medical care, while at the same time creating pathways to self-sufficient futures through education and training. In short, we help people help themselves. Through our 10-year initiative “FACE 2024” (an acronym for Fund, Advocate, Collaborate, Educate), United Way is mobilizing local businesses, community organizations, governmental agencies and individuals to make a long-term measurable difference in the lives of Orange County youth and families. Orange County United Way holds a 4-star rating from America’s largest and most-utilized independent charity evaluator, Charity Navigator. To learn more or to join our movement, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
ABOUT CHEVRON:
Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. Through its subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide, the company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemicals and additives; generates power and produces geothermal energy; and develops and deploys technologies that enhance business value in every aspect of the company’s operations. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.
ABOUT BRAINSTORM:
BrainStorm’s innovative STEM4SCHOOLS offers both in-class Academy Enrichment and After School Programs to bring integrated Common Core STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) courses to local schools. BrainStorm is focused on creating engaging and exciting learning solutions to prepare our students for the future, where STEM knowledge will take precedence in securing jobs and opportunities.
