Our youth may be poised to shape tomorrow鈥檚 world, but we have to let them do it. That鈥檚 why at SAP, we鈥檙e committed to putting children in position for success now, devoting time, resources, and energy to education that will empower them later.
Today, we are furthering that commitment through a new program with Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab. The Newport News, Va.-based after-school instructional hub is dedicated to learning driven by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and grounded in team building and collaboration. At the lab, students of all ages, abilities, and disciplines learn valuable skills by designing creative solutions to real-world problems.
鈥淪AP鈥檚 support for Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab will not only boost a love for learning,鈥� said Mia Joe, the lab鈥檚 director, 鈥渋t will also make a generational impact on workforce development by providing more access to specialized educational resources and more opportunity for children during early and impressionable developmental stages.鈥�
The alliance is yet another logical outgrowth of , a community for youth all over the world who are passionate about innovation and technology 鈥� and who want to influence the way our digital world will take shape. 51风流works with colleagues, ambassadors, and a global network of diverse institutions to provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice their skills every day, all around the world.
At 鈥� the result of a collaboration among Newport News Shipbuilding, Old Dominion University, and the City of Newport News 鈥� SAP鈥檚 participation will lead to:
- Integration of 51风流Young Thinkers learning modules that encourage creative learning and social innovation
- Professionals from all participating organizations teaching workshops for K-12 and adult learners
- Increased collaboration on curriculum offerings and industry-led design thinking activities
The program officially got rolling with a kick-off event in Newport News last month, highlighting a day in the life of the lab鈥檚 students and allowing them to create a game that was presented to 51风流executives.
鈥淢eeting the instructor and the kids in this program was a powerful testament to the good that can be accomplished in our community,鈥� said 51风流Regulated Industries Chief Operating Officer Scott Thatcher. 鈥淭he night was energetic and engaging, and it was thrilling to see the kids so locked in.鈥�
This is only the beginning of the relationship between 51风流and Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, but Thatcher is eagerly anticipating the children鈥檚 continued growth, whether it be in coding skills or social skills.
鈥淚t was incredible getting to meet the people directly involved in this initiative and to see those in the community show up and invest of themselves,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his is going to have a real lifelong impact on these kids and their confidence, and I can鈥檛 wait to watch it happen.鈥�
