Delaware State University and Verizon Launch First-Of-Its-Kind Technology Program
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Posted By: How May I Help You NC on June 28, 2016 $400,000 Grant from the Verizon Foundation will Fund Two-Year Verizon Innovative Learning Program, Now Expanding to 12 Cities Nationwide DOVER, Del. – Delaware State University and Verizon today announced a partnership to provide STEM education to minority middle school boys in Delaware starting this summer. The Verizon Innovative Learning Program, funded by a $400,000 grant from Verizon, will provide mentorship and hands-on classes in coding, robotics, 3D design and entrepreneurship to dozens of minority middle school boys over the next two years. DSU students and faculty with backgrounds in computer science and entrepreneurship will serve as mentors to guide students through the program, which will begin with a summer program on the DSU campus and continue during the school year at DSU and at William Henry Middle School and Central Middle School in Dover. “While many focus on the idea that minority males are an ‘endangered species,’ DSU prefers to concentrate on what it can do to build up and guide young men to success,” said DSU President Harry L. Williams. “While we work year-round to produce success stories among our students on the University-level, through this program the University can also offer elementary school to high school-age youths opportunities to attend summer camps that stimulate their intellect, build self-esteem, teach them academic disciplines that can help them thirst for higher education opportunities and give them career options in their futures.” The Verizon Innovative Learning Program – which began in 2015 at four leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities and is now available in 12 cities across the country – was created to address an urgent need. Much attention has been paid to the importance of engaging girls in STEM but very few are talking about the promise technology skills hold for young, minority boys. Minority males are severely underrepresented in STEM fields and are less likely than Caucasian peers to graduate from high school on time and pursue college. New evaluation data collected from over 300 young men shows that, after participating in the Verizon Innovative Learning Program, 100% of students increased mobile technology proficiency, 75% of students reported an increased interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects, and 69% had an increased interest in STEM careers. Carlos Holmes Director of News Services Office of Public Relations Delaware State University (302) 857-6062 Office If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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