Corporate investment to promote STEM education in schools

As a part of making coding and digital literacy a part of school curriculum, government schools in Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have started to incorporate STEM education into their syllabus.  With the help of IBM through MoU, the three states plan to launch STEM as a new subject for girl students of classes IX to XII. The programme will be implemented through a structured curriculum and will work to create interest among students about skills and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Due to the disparity between school, college curricula and industry expectations, there is a shortage of talent in STEM-related careers. The corporate investment in STEM is expected to face this challenge, and the programme has been structured keeping in mind the present and future needs of the students and the industry. The introduction of the course as compulsory for girls is also meant to combat the challenge of girls dropping out of schools.

The programme will also see the involvement of IBM volunteers as mentors and role models for students. “It’s a holistic programme where we work with teachers, schools heads, parents and students to make them aware about STEM and why it is the future of work,” says Rumi Mallick Mitra, Head, CSR India, IBM. 

IBM is the latest among the increasing number of corporates who are investing in STEM as well as education for girls. WomenInTech, an industry forum facilitated by the Royal Bank of Scotland, is working along with various corporates, academia and NGOs and encouraging young girls to pursue careers in STEM. Girls4Tech, a platform launched by Mastercard, is another attempt to address the gender gap in education. Through this initiative, the employees will work as role models and mentors to showcase the company’s payment technology and emphasise the value of STEM through various fun, discovery-based exercises. Emerson also has partnered with more than 350 universities and technical colleges to promote STEM skills and careers.

News source: https://www.thehindu.com/education/python-in-school/article29475338.ece

Image Source: https://www.wcbi.com/mississippi-expands-stem-education-schools/