As I sat down to pen an article honoring this special occasion, it was these lyrics that came to mind: “I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.” Imagining Whitney Houston’s mesmerizing rendition in my mind, I think she got the message mostly correct. Children are the future, but just as much as we need to teach them, we need to listen to and collaborate with them.

According to the (UN), 1.8 billion people are between 10 and 24 years old, the largest youth generation to date. Half of the people on earth are younger than 30 years old. As they will soon be inheriting this world from us, it will be their voices we hear on the public stage — not those who currently fill our boardrooms or public offices. Have we done all that we can to prepare them for the near-impossible task that lies ahead? To celebrate the next generation stepping up, in my true Millennial style, I have compiled a special Spotify playlist to inspire us to work better together.

Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift

Repeat after me: “It’s me, hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.” Swift probably wasn’t writing about economic equity or single use plastics when she wrote this 2022 classic. But the only way to create sustainable development solutions to the world’s most pressing issues is to admit that you, yes you, are part of the problem.

For every global goal, there is a role you can play. Ask yourself, “What will my role be?”

Ice, Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice

This one-hit wonder with hundreds of millions of streams worldwide has a very memorable opening line that bears repeating, “Stop, collaborate, and listen.” The best ideas do not always come from those with years of wisdom.  Or, as James Okina, a young social entrepreneur and strategic 51ˇçÁ÷Corporate Social Responsibility (51ˇçÁ÷CSR) consultant says, “If you can collaborate with the ‘next generation of young leaders,’ consider yourself fortunate. They will inspire you with fresh ideas. My advice is to look past age and recognize when the prefix ‘young’ is unimportant. They are not just ‘future’ leaders, they are leaders.”

If you are not sure where to start, check out the advice shared in the latest .

Something About You – Roosevelt

Two years ago, I began mentoring an incredible young woman, Natalie Gahre, a member of the sustainability product team at SAP. What started as a mentorship transformed into a learning and leadership experience for both of us. “It’s always easier to work across generations if people are open to trying something new,” shares Gahre. “More ‘experienced’ professionals offer advice to young people with the caveat that ‘you should learn from my mistakes.’ We all need to be brave, optimistic, and excited to try new things together.”

As my favorite DJ Roosevelt points out, there is something [incredible] about you — share it. If you are looking for an opportunity to share your unique expertise, join me and thousands of colleagues from Unilever, EY, Reckitt, and 51ˇçÁ÷on the , powered by MovingWorlds. This virtual pro bono consulting platform connects experienced professionals everywhere with young social innovators anywhere to expedite world-changing solutions for organizations like , , or .

Youth – Glass Animals

When it comes to thinking about the future of your company, Jess Teutonico, executive director of We Are Family Foundation has some sound advice: “Center inter-generational collaboration into everything you do. Engage young people to authentically be a part of your organizations’ decision-making tables. This generation has the creativity, ingenuity, and tenacity to move our planet forward more equitably and sustainably. Why are we waiting for them to ‘grow up’ when they have already proven they are solving our problems now?”

Juergen Mueller, CTO and member of the Executive Board of 51ˇçÁ÷SE, agrees and says, “This year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, I had the opportunity to meet several young changemakers and I learned a lot from them. Inviting young leaders to global events like these has the power to bring the right energy, connections, and perspectives together that can ultimately result in advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing issues. I’m convinced that this holds true for many decision processes – involving young talents helps to bring the best in innovation to market.”

We Are Family Foundation is launching new research on the power of inter-generational leadership and they need your voice. when it launches on September 8.

Jerusalema – Master KG ftg. Nomcebo Zikode

I was introduced to this song by Busang Maruping, a young Atlas Corp Fellow from Botswana. Master KG had already written the hook and convinced Zikode that she had the ability to write the lyrics that evening, even if she did not believe it herself. They finished the song that night and in 2020, Jerusalema became one of the most songs in the world. This song reminds us to have faith — trust your gut and know that sometimes it just takes two. Someone with a different perspective can have a profound impact on the outcome of a project, or a song.

If you are a leader in the U.S. looking for an opportunity to add diverse perspectives to your team and invest in the leaders the world needs, you may want to hire your own .

We Are Family – Sister Sledge

Fun fact: what started as a song became a global movement. Nile Rodgers, the legend behind this jam, has made it his mission to invest in the world’s leading young — inspiring us to do the same.

With only seven years left until 2030 — our to create a world without poverty, a just and peaceful society, and a planet that can sustain us — we need the soundtrack of a lifetime. I hope that these songs and their sound advice will pump you up and encourage you to keep moving forward. I welcome you to add your song to by sharing your advice on how we can build a more sustainable future together and tagging @51ˇçÁ÷on social media.

Jennifer Beason is global director of Social Entrepreneurship at SAP.

A key member of this team is Flynn Doherty, who wants to improve life on earth for everyone today and tomorrow by applying his skills in areas with significant human impact. His constant source of inspiration is working with the Rocket Lab team comprising what he describes as “some of the most talented, mission-driven, and ambitious people around.”

Now a software engineer at Rocket Lab’s Operations Software team, Doherty first joined as an intern in 2019 while in his third year of university. He completed his honors thesis in collaboration with Rocket Lab, and went on to win the 2020 People’s Choice Award at the UC Engineering Final Year Projects Showcase. Sponsored by Rocket Lab, the project focused on exploring alternative methods for visualizing the state of the company’s electron launch vehicle.

“Currently, I am working in aerospace, where I have the opportunity to help create the high-speed railroads that will power the future space economy,” Doherty explains. “I am also keenly interested in entrepreneurship and aim to one day build a team of people to contribute to the next wave of life-improving neuro-technology.”

Young ICT Explorers Pave the Way

Among the first opportunities that allowed Doherty’s potential to flourish was the SAP-backed program. In 2016, he won first place for his enterprising project TrendID, which aimed to demolish barriers to entry into the rapidly expanding, dynamic, and at times intimidating financial world. He believes that this was one of the first times where he applied what he had learned in computer science classes at school to the real world. It was also the first time he had to document, pitch, and present what he was working on to a wide audience of industry professionals.

“It was a daunting task, but one that made me recognize the importance of good communication and presentation skills, which drove me to improve my soft skills,” he shares.

Like Doherty, nearly 8,000 young minds from approximately 850 schools across Australia and New Zealand have found their calling, direction, and expert guidance through the hugely popular Young ICT Explorers competition.

Young ICT Explorers is a non-profit competition — created by 51ˇçÁ÷and supported by CSIRO Digital Careers and The Smith Family with the help of industry and university partners across Australia — to encourage primary and high school students in years three to 12 to solve real-world problems or showcase their passions using technology. The program, which is on dedicated funding, enables disadvantaged youth to have equitable access to participate and engage in the competition through the Young ICT Explorers accelerator program.

To Infinity and Beyond

As our Redefining (YOU)th campaign comes to a close on International Youth Day, we celebrate young people like Flynn Doherty in our shared stories. From young social entrepreneurs and program ambassadors to scientists and engineers, youth are changing the world. Doherty encourages today’s youth to achieve their dreams and refers to a quote by former United States Senator Bill Bradley: “Ambition is the road to your success, persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.”

Over the last month, we have seen stories of ambition, persistence, courage, and dedication. Youth are not waiting for tomorrow, so let’s continue to support them today.

Through Code Unnati, Gowramma has not only been exposed to a world of possibilities and opportunities available to her when she graduates, but has also gained confidence in her skills. Gowramma is not alone in thinking that Code Unnati has had a positive effect on her confidence and opened up countless possibilities as a young person taking her first steps in her career.

Ashish attended a Code Unnati training where he was inspired to come up with solutions to problems that his community was facing. He thought of the large number of single-use polypropylene bags that were being thrown away. He chose to address this problem, as it was affecting his community directly – these bags were either being burnt or buried in the ground, and there was no way to recycle them. Ashish has since made a plan to start recycling polypopylene bags and has been connected to financial assistance to buy the machinery. He credits Code Unnati and its team for helping him realize a solution to his city’s problem.

From Gowramma, who is eager to begin exploring new opportunities in her career, to Ashish, who thinks outside the box in search of a solution to a more sustainable environment, Code Unnati is powering opportunity through digital inclusion.

Launched in June 2017 with 51ˇçÁ÷India Corporate Social Responsibility, is a corporate-to-citizen initiative to impart digital literacy among adolescents, citizens, and children and employable IT skills among youth. Through the initiative, they are getting that guiding light to see ahead to a bright future. This initiative is helping millions of youths think out of the box and work toward solving major social problems.

Developing digital skills has become critical to professional success; the core objective of Code Unnati is digital inclusion. When Code Unnati first launched, 90% of India’s population, or almost 1.2 billion people, were not digitally literate. For young people to engage meaningfully in society, youth must be equipped with the skills and opportunities to advance their vision of a connected future. In our increasingly digital society, low information and communication technology skills continue to remain a barrier to employment. Inclusive, equitable development and economic growth requires building an enabling ecosystem that can provide and define career pathways. This can be best achieved through private sector collaborations including government organizations. It is only by preparing youth with digital education and opportunities that the can be achieved.

The success stories of Gowramma, Ashish, and countless other youth, many of whom are the first in their entire generation to get jobs in the IT sector, say it is them who will lead change and pave the way for the future. They are determined to build their own future and become first-generation learners with a job in hand. This demonstrates the resilience and self-efficacy they have to achieve something in life and become a role model for their society.

We are celebrating all those young people who have emerged as an inspiration for others, because there is no one way to make a difference.

Shivani Sinha is audience relations associate of CSR for 51ˇçÁ÷India subcontinent.
Gunjan Patel is regional director and head of CSR for 51ˇçÁ÷India subcontinent.

Much needs to be done to equip youth with 21st century skills and to conquer the digital divide, especially with the European Union setting a target for 80% of the population to have basic digital skills and 20 million information and communications technology (ICT) specialists by 2030.

To develop the necessary skills for today’s digital jobs and to close the digital divide, SAP’s initiative, in partnership with TechSoup Europe and Haus des Stiftens, has helped non-profit organizations implement fun and interactive workshops geared toward introducing young people to the exciting world of technology and coding. For the last six years, the program has provided grants of up to €500 to enable these events across Europe.

Meet and Code has successfully become Europe’s biggest digital skills program; I am truly honored to be a part of it. In 2021, the initiative saw applications and funded events increase by 15% and 10% respectively, year-on-year. It also recorded an 11% increase in events hosted by non-profits located in small villages and 35% in larger cities and towns.

All youth, from all walks of life are equally important.
No matter where they come from, whether it is a
small village or large metro, they can have a bright future.

Not only is the program growing in popularity and reach, but the impact is tangible, with survey results highlighting that participants’ IT skills improved from 40% to 60%. Additionally, 84% reported that they would like to learn more about coding in general.

The workshops typically focus on how young people can harness technology to serve specific purposes, which 16-year-old Stefania Spachou, this year’s , pointed out is an essential skill for people entering the job market as they are frequently required to use technology to complete their tasks more effectively and efficiently.

Stefania also noted that technology is all around us, affecting our daily lives in ways that only science fiction writers imagined and that in a society ruled by technology, digital skills are essential for young adults not only to take part in a competitive job market, but in the online communities that are becoming as active as those in real life.

To further improve digital skills among European youth, Stefania believes that each country’s government and institutions should help to raise awareness about how important digital skills are today. More specifically, that educational technology programs need to be promoted more actively to the public and especially young people. Moreover, she asserts that schools must include specific subjects that develop and enhance their students’ digital skills in their curricula.

I could not agree more. Closing the skills gap should be a collective concern; the next generation who will be instrumental in shaping the future of society depends on this.

As our growth and success thus far has been made possible by the power of collaboration, we invite new partners to come forward to take Meet and Code to new heights and support SAP’s purpose of making the world run better. Each year, Meet and Code takes place throughout September and October. Applications for non-profit funding close on September 14, 2022.

To find out more about Meet and Code or to become a partner, visit , or connect on , , , and .

Gabriele Hartmann is head of CSR for 51ˇçÁ÷MEE and a Meet and Code board member.

Reuben, quoted above, is a young changemaker from Liberia, a country that according to UN estimates has one of the world’s highest levels of out-of-school children, with just over 50% completing primary education. At the age of 16, Reuben decided that he could not solely rely on the elected leaders in his home country to improve education accessibility, soaring poverty rates, and rising mental health concerns among his peers. He is an example of how youth today are capable of being the change the world needs; they are not waiting for tomorrow.

Like most “,” Reuben sees education as a major lever for reducing inequalities and creating change. Through founding the not-for-profit organization , he made his dream of transforming the lives of young people in his country through education a reality. Nearly five years later, Rehab Africa works on advocacy, research, and capacity building for young people to make sure that everyone has equal rights, access to better education, and opportunities to change their lives no matter their color, sexual orientation, who they are, what they can afford, or where they are from.

Studies by the (UNFPA) indicate that although the youth population will increase to 1.3 billion by 2030, their proportion will come down to 13.5 percent by 2050. Youth are an incredibly powerful demographic of the world’s population and a precious resource. While this tremendous potential is largely untapped — mainly due to lack of equitable access to resources and opportunities to leverage their power — 51ˇçÁ÷and its partners are committed to making sure that young changemakers know that they are not alone. Through 51ˇçÁ÷Corporate Social Responsibility (51ˇçÁ÷CSR) initiatives, 51ˇçÁ÷is constantly working toward ensuring that youth have the opportunity and resources to succeed and make lasting change in the world.

The TRANSFORM Support Hub is one such initiative that aims to enable youth with resources to bring about incredible change. A collaboration among SAP, MovingWorlds, Unilever, and TRANSFORM, this virtual pro bono consulting initiative from 51ˇçÁ÷and powered by MovingWorlds is focused on connecting social entrepreneurs with skilled professionals and other resources to help their businesses scale and succeed.

While the program is beginning to expand and will soon include even more social businesses and corporates, we have already learned so much from the youth that we have met through this partnership, youth that are truly changing the way businesses work and making an impact in their communities and the world.

Tony Joy of has taught us about the importance of circular economy; not only as a sustainability practice, but as a way to support women. Ronald Mugaiga exemplifies creativity and problem-solving through the innovation of transforming plastic waste into building materials with . From Angela Busheska of we have learned about the powerful intersection of technology, education, and environmentalism. These young social entrepreneurs have different ideas and solutions to the world’s biggest challenges, but they share one common goal: to take immediate action to create lasting positive impact.

Angela Busheska’s story exemplifies that the TRANSFORM Support Hub has to offer young social entrepreneurs, as well as this year’s UN theme of intergenerational solidarity. Angela joined the Acceleration Collective with the social enterprise she founded, EnRoute, through the We Are Family Foundation. She has seen many successes during and after her time with the Acceleration Collective, including receiving funding for EnRoute from National Geographic and landing a new role as an expert consultant through the Youth To The Table partnership between 51ˇçÁ÷and We Are Family Foundation. This partnership gives skilled young leaders and experts like Angela a voice in high-level decision-making at SAP.

It is not hard to find stories of inspiration and hope for our future from among the millions of young people fighting for change across the world. Over the course of the next month — between , today, and on August 12 — we will share more inspirational profiles of tenacity, courage, resilience, and perseverance through our Redefining (YOU)th campaign. These exceptional people from around the world are all driven by a single purpose: to make the world a better place on their own terms.

Follow along with @SAP4Good and @ThePossibilists to discover the amazing work being led by young changemakers and learn more about how you can get involved and support their work in meaningful ways.

To the doers, the dreamers, and those like and who are , we honor you. To all The Possibilists who dare businesses to do things differently, we hear you. We see you. You are not just the future of business; you are shaping the business of future!

For every Greta, Malala, or Simone making global headlines, there are thousands of young changemakers like you, Avina, Ryan, and Anina, who are making a world of difference in communities and countries alike. The successes and struggles documented in , a recent report by an alliance of 16 of the world’s leading youth social innovation networks, is a reminder to all of us that you can’t be stopped. And if we can unite business, government, and the social sector around your work, we will succeed in accelerating (your) solutions to the world’s most challenging problems.

While traditional business has much to learn from social innovators, we also have a lot to offer you.

1. Accessing Networks: Build Bridges, Not Silos

Many of the solutions the world needs already exist, but gaining access to the right people and organizations to share those solutions with is not as easy. More than 94% of Possibilists shared that they lack the personal or business access needed to move their organization forward. And yet, combined with financial and mental hardships, they forge on with their work because they are intrinsically motivated to do the right thing for the world. So how can corporations create space for leaders like you to bring game changing ideas to the table? It might be easier than you think.

In 2020, 51ˇçÁ÷formally launched “Youth To The Table” in partnership with , giving skilled experts like Riddhima Yadav, a young climate and sustainability finance expert, a seat at c-suite level decision making tables at SAP. Riddhima joined SAP’s External Sustainability Advisory Council this year, joining the ranks of tenured sustainability leaders. Together, the council members provide formal outside-in guidance on SAP’s sustainability journey. Like many of The Possibilists, Riddhima formed her first organization as a teenager. Although still “early” in her career, she is an outstanding representative for both her field of expertise and her generation.

A program like Youth To The Table should not only exist within one company, and perhaps we can help change that. I challenge you to approach the business leaders and companies operating in your field of interest or expertise. Reach out to their sustainability or corporate social responsibility leaders on social media as a place to start. If that doesn’t work, connect with intermediaries like or We Are Family Foundation, which have formal youth-to-corporate programs. This is an opportunity for all of us if we focus more on building bridges, and a little less on our erecting own silos.

2. Accelerating Business: Keep the Promise

Once you know who is (or could be) in your extended network, be sure you know how you can partner with them. During the , we heard innovators request support like, “We need help. We’re looking for an expert who can help us do the work.” Rest assured, there is help out there.

Helping businesses run better is what we do, but 51ˇçÁ÷is not alone in that work when it comes to supporting the work of social entrepreneurs. Unilever, EY, and Ikea are a few awesome corporations that come to mind. We all have programs that will provide you with skilled business experts or financial support, usually in partnership with social sector organizations like , , , and . We are constantly innovating together through initiatives like the to help improve the way we connect you with valuable resources.

So you’re probably asking yourself, “Why would companies share their resources with you?” It’s a win-win for us, too. As employees connect with topics that matter to them, they also flex their leadership skills, build empathy and cross-cultural understanding, and gain exposure to ‘what’s next’ from leaders like you.

If you are looking for skilled support, know that you don’t have to go it alone. 51ˇçÁ÷and MovingWorlds are inviting social innovators ages 18 to 30 to , a new pro bono consulting experience launching in September. Beyond pro bono consulting, the Acceleration Collective includes access to certified business coaching, and bridges access to other 51ˇçÁ÷partners’ service offerings like . Unilever and EY, with the support of the COVID Response Alliance, are also offering resources through their market-leading program .

Keeping the promise to organizations of all kinds is just another day at the office for many of us. Do your research to see who is willing to help. (Hint: we are!) If you are not sure where to begin, join Social Shifters and 51ˇçÁ÷at .

3. Recognizing Your Value: Tell It Like It is

It is true that with age comes wisdom, but age is not synonymous with the value you bring forward as a leader. Innovation starts with all of us! Last year, I was working on a speaker series, and I approached a young social entrepreneur to speak at the event on SAP’s behalf. Her response was one you should take note of. “I’d gladly speak to your audience, but preparing and speaking for you comes at an opportunity cost for my organization. Will you compensate me for my time?” I was momentarily speechless. She further explained to me, “The moderator is likely getting paid, along with the caterer and the venue. They are all providing a service to you, and so am I.” This young person was respectfully challenging my originally unpaid request. She was right to do so — and you are too!

My ask was not one of ill intention, rather ignorance, though it’s still no excuse. Throughout a decade working in marketing for SAP, I often asked business leaders to speak on our company’s behalf. The difference? They were all being paid by their organization for their time. Young innovators can be exploited and showcased on both virtual and physical stages globally, but you can change that.

If you are being asked for something, know your worth and how to leverage it. Be bold and ask for the support you need in return. It may not always be financial compensation, rather it might be access to people or networks or could also include personal skill-building or revenue generation opportunities for your organization.

Lastly, I want to revisit a topic I touched on briefly above. The Possibilists shared that many of you sacrifice your mental and financial well-being in the pursuit of a better world. While I’m grateful for your efforts, I’m also here to remind you that you will never be able to successfully deliver on your goals if you don’t also prioritize your own well-being. Breathe, find a coach, join a peer support group, pay yourself: whatever it is, invest in your own well-being. You are worth it!

So What?

Am I asking you to start your own youth movement within the corporate world? No. Am I trying to do that? Perhaps. Do I expect that every organization has the same support structure as 51ˇçÁ÷to embrace young leaders like you? Probably not. But I hope I’m giving you the courage to connect, learn, and lead with people and organizations like mine.

• Reach out and connect with those who can help you. I promise there are more of us who want to help!
• Learn from the experts and teach them a few things along the way. We don’t know it all, I assure you.
• Speak up! Keep leading the way doing exactly what you are doing. You are creating the change we all need to see in the world, and I can’t wait to see more of you in board rooms around the world.

Thank you for all that you do to keep moving us forward. We owe you one.

Jennifer Beason is global program director of Social Entrepreneurship for Corporate Social Responsibility at SAP.

51ˇçÁ÷employee Anina Monteforte is a world traveler, young changemaker, and the founder of The World Within Us, a social enterprise creating travel experiences directly aligned with the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

Prior to the pandemic, travel and tourism — including its direct, indirect, and induced impacts — accounted for 25% of new jobs created globally. The UN World Trade Organization estimates that around international tourists traveling the world are young people. Anina is a part of that statistic; in the past five years, she has traveled to more than 45 countries while pursuing a master’s degree in International Development at New York University (NYU). Inspired by her own personal passion for traveling and culture, Anina founded .

As part of SAP’s ongoing Redefining YOU(th) campaign, culminating on International Youth Day, Anina’s story is one to be shared. Her vivacious spirit, energy, and commitment to help the world run better and improve people’s lives demonstrates that the world really is within us.

Q: As a grad student, an entrepreneur, and an intern at SAP, what inspires you to do all that you do?

A: I have a deep passion for sustainability, international travel, and grassroots social impact. I have learned to bring these passions together in building The World Within Us, my graduate studies at NYU, and the work I do at SAP.

My spark was ignited in 2016, when I went on a voyage called Semester at Sea, a five-month journey traveling across Europe, Africa, and South America, with 600 students from around the world. This experience opened my eyes to the expansive beauty the world has to offer, especially in the hidden corners beyond the commercialized destinations that many travelers visit. It taught me lessons along the way that changed the trajectory of my life. It also led me in the last five years to visit 45 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America.

Afterwards I enrolled in a Masters in Global Affairs concentrating in International Development at NYU to better understand how sustainable development can impact travel and the overall future of the world. Simultaneously, I received an opportunity to join 51ˇçÁ÷as the social media intern for the 51ˇçÁ÷Next-Gen program.

I never imagined becoming a social entrepreneur, but all the pieces fell into place. At SAP, I worked closely on projects that aligned with the UN SDGs. This framework became my lifeline, using them at work and as part of my educational research at NYU. I realized the travel industry lacked a strong focus on intentional sustainable development.

I created The World Within Us because I wanted to create meaningful travel experiences with intention, empowering social sector partners to serve their local communities and educate travelers on the 17 UN SDGs. I also wanted to keep these travel experiences affordable, so they are accessible. If we change the way that we travel, we can truly make a substantial impact on our world.

The World Within Us was built to host small groups and provide them with travel experiences that focus on fostering positive social and economic impacts. Our success comes from our local grassroots nonprofit partners in each destination like Solar Sister in Tanzania, helping ensure we are successful in empowering local initiatives to fuel the community. We do that by selecting sustainable hotels, female guides, and indigenous-led activities to put our tourism dollars in the hands of the local community. We also educate travelers on the UN SDGs and aspects that relate to tradition, culture, and history prior to our departure.

Success to me is ensuring travelers have a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that the local community economically benefits from our experiences.

What are the challenges you faced while creating The World Within Us? And how are you navigating the pandemic?

The major challenge in starting my enterprise, similar to many other small businesses, is building The World Within Us as a one-woman-army and wearing all hats to keep the organization running. From teaching myself to build a website, manage finances, learn about sales, client management, and so on, it hasn’t been an easy task. But I’ve taught myself how to do these things, and I’ve been able to bring these skills into the work I do at 51ˇçÁ÷and vice versa. My experience creating content, leading our purpose-driven social media channels through SAP4Good, and building partnerships also helps my small business.

When the pandemic hit, it required many additional logistical steps, including checking government websites to monitor COVID-19 restrictions and ensuring our travelers and local staff were operating safely. While this is proving difficult, it’s not impossible. We just kicked off our second trip to this year. The world is adopting safer methods of traveling, and The World Within Us is helping to lead this change.

How has your role at 51ˇçÁ÷helped you in your accomplishments with The World Within Us?

Everything that I do at 51ˇçÁ÷has helped me build The World Within Us. I have seen how private sector organizations are taking action to creating a more sustainable and equal world and how they are building partnerships and programs that will help us advance the UN SDGs.

I’ve also developed storytelling skills and honed my ability to share purpose-driven stories that resonate with readers. I work closely on program-building that relates to climate change, gender equality, and social entrepreneurship. My manager at 51ˇçÁ÷has empowered me in my role and helps me lead my life with purpose and creativity. With SAP’s Flex Work program, I also had the privilege to work remotely during the pandemic, allowing me to be alongside my fellow travelers at the different destinations we traveled to this year.

Pledge to Flex shows that 51ˇçÁ÷understands how people work, and they want to provide the space for employees to create an impact inside and outside of the work they do at SAP. I firmly believe as a result that passion, creativity, and excitement will trickle into the work you do every day!

How do you perceive youth? How would you help “Redefine (YOU)th” during a particularly uncertain time?

Youth are powerful, dynamic, and filled with immense potential to bring about change. As a young person, I make decisions that align with my values and adapt to the current environment so I can navigate any obstacle that comes my way. I launched The World Within Us during the pandemic. And although I experienced challenges along the way, it never stopped my motivation to drive the mission forward. The growing number of vaccinated individuals helps immensely, along with keeping in mind safety protocols in each destination.

The destinations I selected for the upcoming travel itineraries intentionally represent the Global South — countries like Tanzania, Egypt, Guatemala, and Indonesia — to make sure that the money brought in by travelers reaches the local community directly. I design each experience so I know who is on the receiving end. That is something that as travelers, we all have power over. Everything is interconnected, and we want to boost the local economy through tourism, especially during this pandemic.

Anina’s story, actions, and spirit shows the power of micro-actions in achieving the UN SDGs. Whether climate action, reducing inequalities, creating stronger institutions for peace and justice, or eradicating poverty, it begins with micro-actions we choose. As we prepare to celebrate International Youth Day, Anina’s story is one that showcases the power we have to create a lasting positive impact — both in our own cities and in communities that may not affect us directly but deserve solidarity and support.

Together, we can transform industries, grow economies, lift up societies, sustain our environment, and win the right way.

Its objective was to empower changemakers of today and of tomorrow in the largely marginalized rural populations of China and India, which make up 38% and 68% of the country’s total populations respectively.

In these largely patriarchal societies, access to technology is scarce and if available is often a luxury enjoyed by men. The program therefore aims to help these women pursue their dreams, make a difference, and find their way to success.

“At SAP, we believe in not only creating a culture of inclusion within the organization, but also in extending it externally to those who are not as fortunate as us,” 51ˇçÁ÷CEO shared. “Through Girls Power Tech, our effort is to go beyond the STEM initiatives in school and colleges and bring world-class technology experiences and career opportunities at the doorstep of these girls. That, in the true sense, would be completing the circle of inclusion.”

Teamwork During a Pandemic

51ˇçÁ÷Labs China conducted the program throughout 2020, amid the global pandemic that crippled economic and social activities around the world. Schools in China were locked down and students were not allowed to do internships onsite.

Despite this, after four months of screening, 25 young women were selected to join the internship specifically for this program. Some participants came from the far regions of Tibet and Xinjiang, with most of them remotely onboarding with a welcome package and a computer. It was not easy for the students to begin the internship virtually, but their eagerness to learn, an undying spirit, and sheer perseverance made this possible. COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges, but strong support from sponsors, the recruiting team, and volunteers, helped the program run smoothly.

25 Young Women Begin the Change

The internship began in June and a two-day Girls Power Tech bootcamp was held in Shanghai September 11-12. The young changemakers convened in Shanghai to meet their peers and share learnings from the three months of the internship. Most of them had to work remotely due to COVID-19 but were able to complete the assigned tasks with their creativity coming to the fore. After the presentation, the judges awarded “Shining Team” and “Shining Girl” prizes. The sessions also served as an introduction of the powerful concepts of teamwork and collaboration.

On day two, two panels titled “Search Inside Yourself” and “Gender Equality, Technology Trend, and Career” were held and gave the young women access to new information from the vast experiences of the sharp minds of the panelists. The interactions encouraged them to follow their hearts, believe in themselves, embrace change, and dare to try. Not only a wonderful learning experience, the panels also helped participants identify the areas for improvement, such as communication skills, and offered them new directions for future career development.

Strong Impact and Feedback

Students provided heartfelt farewell quotes on their experience, describing their challenges and many learnings. The 25 girls from 10 provinces and 19 colleges joined 19 R&D teams in Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Beijing, and Dalian. They learned product knowledge, programming language, and methodology; participated in product development and testing; and experienced the culture and active community activities across 51ˇçÁ÷Labs offices. More than 28 volunteers supported this program in different capacities. Seven enablement sessions and a bootcamp were sucessfully delivered. Finally, five of the students received an offer to join 51ˇçÁ÷full time in 2021.

Avina has dedicated herself to supporting refugees who arrive in Ghana from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, and Sudan, among others. In Ghana alone, more than 16,000 refugees live in camps with little to no geographical or financial access, and of course no social contacts..

In many ways, Avina is like most 24-year-olds around the world. She loves to eat and cook, and is discovering new hobbies to get through the pandemic, including experimenting with baking. She is a cat and plant mother, a love that is reflected throughout her home. The pandemic has affected everyone, and it certainly was not kind to a social startup leader like her.

Like many of her Possibilist peers, Avina works seven days a week, often putting in 12-hour days. She knows that every minute she puts into her organization brings hope to some of the most neglected people in the world. That was her motivation when she launched the (RIO).

The Journey of a Changemaker

Avina’s journey began when she secured a highly coveted job as a journalist with Reuters. For two years she focused on reporting about social exclusion of refugees, especially those in Africa. After saving up money, she then quit her job to visit Ghana and learn more about the realities of the place she reported on during her journalist days.

By her own admission, nothing could have prepared her for the life-altering experiences there that gave her direction and a true sense of purpose.

During her stay at the Krisan refugee camp in Ghana, she was chaperoned by Abraham Davies, who fled to the refugee camp at age 16 after witnessing terrible ordeals committed against his family. Now a father of three girls, he shares his story to demonstrate how life for him — and thousands of others like him — remains a struggle after leaving their homes and seeking shelter in refugee camps. He explained that there are those who had and would live out their entire lives in such camps.

Avina relayed stories she witnessed of single fathers who handed over their children to neighboring families to head out and seek work, often never returning. She met women who walked through the desert for days and months, facing terrible atrocities during their journeys to just find a safe place to call home.

What brings stories like these together are two things. First, that people like Abraham are all seeking safety, and second, they want to earn a living to change their circumstances. Some begin in small ways, like selling homemade food or setting up a poultry farm, but the opportunities for education and workforce inclusion in camps like Krisan are limited.

Bringing About Change

Visiting the Krisan refugee camp and getting to know those who lived there inspired Avina, along with co-founder Rya G. Kuewor, to set up RIO in Accra, Ghana. The organization aspires to change the way people look at refugee camps — often as a burden on the country — and instead inspires them to see a microcosm full of potential. Many living within the confines of the camps are skilled workers. They are willing and ready to integrate into any system that will allow them to earn a living wage and establish a future for them and their families. “They just need a little support,” Avina offered. “A chance to earn a better life.”

RIO is influenced by the idea that the more money circulating in the refugee camp community the better. The more that refugees can offer to the local community, the greater the chances are for integration into regular society. This will ultimately have a positive impact on the larger economy of the country.

In 2019, RIO successfully provided at very low interest rates, which was used to build small home-based businesses. The money was unrestricted and spent on very basic things, such as transportation, allowing borrowers the opportunity to buy essentials from the open market and sell it within the camps. The organization provided support to the women throughout the entire process, helping them to build out sustainable businesses processes, such as understanding supply and demand, financial management, and more.

What began as a small initiative with the 23 women pumped life into the camp. For the first time in 25 years, people engaged in forms of business, even those as small as selling home-cooked food. It provided a way for refugees to contribute to their community, despite it being a non-conducive environment, with major paucity of funds.

Redefining (YOU)th

Per the Possibilist study, 66% of young changemakers said that they cannot cover their financial needs solely through the work on their initiative alone, meaning they have to look elsewhere for financial compensation and security. Yet they continue to do what they can to make the world a better place.

Avina pursues the opportunity to improve people’s lives despite the barriers that she — and the women she is trying to help — face. As she continues to work toward making the world a better place, Avina is redefining what many think youth are capable of and inspiring current and future young leaders like herself.

She also has a message for youth today who do have access to opportunities like higher education: “College may not lead you to where you need to be, but it teaches you things that you can apply in different spaces. Be more cognizant of situations in all kinds of struggles and align yourself with that in some way. With education and the resources youth have today, we’re capable of bringing about great change.”

In the 1940s, Nobel Prize-winning Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Gyoergyi wrote: “The future will be like the schools are today.” In 2021, these words still ring true, even more so for the winners of the European Code League competition, Dr. Corina Toma and Mihaela Giurgea, along with their students from Tiberiu Popoviciu High School of Computer Science in Romania. Second and third place went to teams from Turkey and Greece.

Change Is the Only Constant, but Changemakers Are Ever Changing

The pandemic has been quite a revelation in this aspect, with unexpected and seemingly limitless opportunities presenting themselves and youth grabbing them with both hands.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, around 65% of children who start primary school today will work in professions that do not even exist yet: their future lies in the hands of educators. To date, Science on Stage reaches about 100,000 teachers and teacher trainers in over 30 countries, providing a necessary network to exchange ideas and to scale them across Europe. And with 79% of participating teachers implementing the teaching ideas they’ve seen at Science on Stage festivals over the years, European Code League has proven that it’s possible for teachers and students to work together — even in the midst of a pandemic — to create inspiring, real-world science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) projects.

Organized by Science on Stage with the support of the 51ˇçÁ÷Corporate Social Responsibility (51ˇçÁ÷CSR) team in Middle Eastern Europe, the European Code League is a competition to which teacher-student teams with innovative coding projects can apply. It was launched in 2020 as a follow up to Science on Stage’s .

“Science on Stage gave me the opportunity to find new ways to motivate my students to learn physics using ICT,” says Dr. Toma, who became a teacher after 10 years working as a physicist. “Physics is everywhere and happens at any time. In the classroom, I am at home. I like to talk with my students and explain all kinds of topics.”

Science on Stage Europe is a network for STEM teachers focusing on the exchange of best practice teaching ideas. The ultimate goal is to improve STEM teaching by supporting educators in their professional development and growth.

“Teachers are often the ideas, the starting point. Students who finish high school do not know what their role in the world will be,” Dr Toma adds. “These projects show how important it is to code, and also to learn STEM subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.”

CaeliBox, the winning coding project, used sensors to measure different air parameters such as concentration of CO2, humidity, pressure, temperature, noise, and other noxious substances in the studennts’ town. The data was transferred to a server so the students could access and work with it at any time.

“My town in Romania used to be small but now it is very big. As a result, the air is polluted because we have so many cars. CaeliBox is a useful device for STEM education and our students were happy to combine coding with physics and technology,” explains Dr. Toma, who adds that she faced many challenges trying to complete the project, from broken sensors to realizing they needed more space and swapping out their Arduino Uno for an Arduino Mega.

For Dr. Toma, Science on Stage is far more than a networking opportunity for teachers, it’s a community of like-minded educators: “At first, I saw that the education in Romania is very different from other countries, but then I realized that as teachers we have the same goals and can make the same activities. Science on Stage is a community to challenge our ideas and to understand that we are in the same place. 51ˇçÁ÷can be very proud for supporting STEM teaching training in Europe.”

There is no one way to make the world a better place. By helping discover and promote innovative teaching concepts among Europe’s science teachers, Science on Stage and the European Code League enable more students to gain the digital skills they need for a challenging future and encourage them to consider a career in science, ICT or engineering to help the positively change the world.

In a world shaped increasingly by technology and digitalization, teachers make the difference and the youth of today have so many more opportunities to learn and be the change.

The 12th European Science on Stage festival takes place March 24-27, 2022, in Prague, Czech Republic. Stay tuned to see amazing youth in action, redefining how a career in science, ICT, or engineering can help make a positive change in the world.

More than a year after schools and training providers pivoted to remote learning, two trends have emerged. First, finding innovative ways to teach and learn is here to stay. Second, many educators who have gained a new appreciation for how technology can help students learn will forever be on the lookout for technical tools that support unique approaches to education. These tools will create pathways to new educational and career opportunities with students from under-resourced communities.

JFFLabs is the , a national nonprofit that drives transformation in the American workforce and education systems. Kristina Francis, executive director of JFFLabs, believes that immersive learning currently represents one of the most promising options for changing traditional approaches to education and closing achievement gaps.

Together, JFFLabs and 51ˇçÁ÷are piloting an effort to introduce immersive learning to classrooms across the country.

“This time in history requires expanded access and new entry points for learning, education experiences, and innovation,” Francis said. “It requires corporations and school districts to partner to put resources and technology in the hands of our most marginalized and disadvantaged learners and, frankly, future leaders and innovators.”

A Need for “New Entry Points”

The program is called the Skill Immersion Lab. 51ˇçÁ÷and JFFLabs have rolled it out at three sites working with high school-aged learners: a high school in Queens, New York; a community center in St. Paul, Minnesota; and a workforce development center serving a rural area of Louisiana, which offers instruction to young people ages 16-24 who are unemployed and not in school.

The importance of finding new ways to engage and motivate students became clear during the pandemic. A June 2020 , citing data from Curriculum Associates, revealed that student engagement rates at schools that serve low-income populations lagged behind those serving high-income students. The data suggested that 60% of students from low-income families were regularly logging on to online instruction, compared to 90% of high-income students.

Students in the Skill Immersion Lab program are engaging in immersive experiences using desktop and virtual reality (VR) platforms to strengthen human skills, also called employability or “soft” skills, such as effective communication and leadership capabilities. The four-to-six-week courses feature curriculum from Talespin, a developer of a VR platform that learners can use to take part in interactive role-playing exercises, allowing them to practice interpersonal skills in virtual settings.

Research has shown that immersive technology is a powerful educational tool. According to , people who are taught using virtual reality tech are 3.75 times more emotionally connected to the content, four times more focused than their e-learning peers, and 275% more confident about applying the skills they learn after training. It’s also possible to train people more quickly and cost-effectively using VR.

Educators at the Skill Immersion Lab sites, who have been working with learners in their communities for years, say they welcome the opportunity to offer immersive learning experiences with students.

“A gap that we notice as mentors is the need for students to apply the skills they learn from seminar sessions into a real-world setting,” said a career readiness advisor at the Queens site. “Students learn a lot about the ‘what’ to communicate in a professional environment, but getting students to learn the ‘how’ and ‘why’ as they maneuver through multilevel relationships in the workplace is crucial to ensuring that they are prepared for the many types of communication scenarios they would experience in the workforce. Allowing students to engage in virtual reality experiences early on gives them a head start into building awareness through verbal and non-verbal communication, not only for themselves but also for others.”

The Skill Immersion Lab is also a critical opportunity to listen to learners who bring important lessons and skills from past experiences. Their feedback and engagement will push the program to be more relevant and effective for their own education and career goals.

An Effective Tool for Tough Topics

“It’s all about giving learners access to technology that is proven to be an effective teaching tool for tough topics,” says Katie Booth, who leads the 51ˇçÁ÷Corporate Social Responsibility team in North America. “We want to give them the language to think about things differently — and understand that they have a place within any environment, whether it’s a corporate setting or a community one. These deep communication skills will help them succeed.”

The Skill Immersion Lab holds significant promise, particularly with young learners located outside of wealthy, suburban, or urban areas. Young people are receiving early access to some of the most innovative and effective immersive learning tools on the market, and they’re using those tools to advance their communication skills and further the pursuit of their education and career goals.

As chief customer innovation officer for 51ˇçÁ÷North America, I’ve seen firsthand how innovative technology can help transform our customers’ businesses. The potential impact of this initiative is tremendous. Not only can it help educators build a deeper understanding of how new technology can empower young people, it can teach young learners some of the most important skills they need to succeed in life — and not just young learners in well-to-do communities, but any student, anywhere in the country.

It’s possible. As one of the nation’s first programs focused squarely on immersive learning experiences for this age group, the Skill Immersion Lab is paving the way.

Stephanie Nashawaty is chief customer innovation officer at 51ˇçÁ÷North America.
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I saw death from preventable causes, a lack of access to education, limited economic opportunity, and challenges facing youth, women, and small business owners. Despite this hardship, I met countless young changemakers, determined to make a difference in their communities, their country, and the world. My service in the Peace Corps opened my eyes to the incredible potential of youth and the need for quality education in reducing inequalities, creating opportunity, and driving meaningful change.

°Ő´Çťĺ˛š˛â,Ěý of the global population falls between the ages of 15Ěý˛š˛ÔťĺĚý24. These 1.2 billion people are activists, social innovators, disruptors, dreamers, and doers. And those lucky of us to know some of them believe in their power to create solutions that address the most critical problems facing our world today.

World Youth Skills Day 2021

In 2014, in honor of these young leaders, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 15 . This day recognizes the inherent value of equipping the next generation with the skill sets required to pursue gainful employment, find decent work, and engage in social innovation and entrepreneurial activity. With youth unemployment on the rise since 2017, World Youth Skills Day seeks to bring together young people, policymakers, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, and employers to prepare youth with the training they need to excel in the future of work.

Unfortunately, school and workplace closures during COVID -19 caused dramatic setbacks to learning and work training, further exacerbating existing inequalities within the education system. The socioeconomic devastation of COVID-19 will take significant effort to overcome, and therefore this year’s World Youth Skills Day focuses on the creativity and resilience of youth throughout the pandemic.

51ˇçÁ÷and UNICEF

In 2019, 51ˇçÁ÷partnered with UNICEF based on a shared belief that investing in young people’s education creates a more equitable and inclusive society. Together, 51ˇçÁ÷and UNICEF aim to help create a world where every young person has the skills they need to reach their full potential and thrive in meaningful work. To accomplish this mission, 51ˇçÁ÷and UNICEF embarked on a journey to supply underserved populations with the hard and soft skills they need to successfully navigate a changing global economy and make their mark on the world. The initial efforts of this collaboration focus on the development and implementation of scalable education models in India, Turkey, and Vietnam.

Passing the Baton

In Vietnam, 51ˇçÁ÷and UNICEF started an initiative called “Piloting Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Technology.” The program brings augmented and virtual reality into the classroom experience for students with the goal of reducing the technology gap among youth and tackling gender stereotypes within the technology field.

The story of a Vietnamese teacher, Trang Tho Phe, who participates in the program, beautifully illustrates the power of accessible education. It also reinforces the critical role of teachers and mentors in equipping young changemakers with the skills required to create a sustainable planet, society, and economy for years to come.

As a young girl, Trang walked four kilometers to school and studied by oil lamps in a space sheltered by bamboos and palm leaves. Despite the conditions, school brought Trang immense joy. She looked up to her teachers, who tirelessly helped her learn relevant skills and encouraged Trang to dream big. Trang threw herself into her studies and decided she wanted to become a teacher herself. Years later, Trang became a technology teacher at Bat Xat Lower and Upper Secondary School, encouraged by the field’s potential to positively impact her community and her strong desire to prepare Vietnamese youth for the future of work. Her recent involvement in 51ˇçÁ÷and UNICEF’s project provides her with tools to give innovative technology lessons and prepare her students for the jobs of the future.

Trang shares, “I am proud that I am setting an example as a female ethnic minority teacher pioneering technology and innovative digital solutions in my daily work. I believe it is inspirational for other female students.”

Trang Tho Phe and other leaders play an essential role in preparing the next generation for success in their professional lives. As these local heroes pass the baton to the youth, they empower the next generation of changemakers.

Kelly Cannon is global content and communications lead for Purpose and Sustainability Marketing at SAP.

Top image ŠUNICEF Viet Nam/Truong Viet Hung

The number represents young leaders who are courageous, curious, creative, flexible, open-minded, and, most importantly, doers. Some call them . These individuals are trying to empower themselves and others to solve the issues of the world and striving to maximize their agency and potential.

As a young changemaker myself, I recently joined 51ˇçÁ÷through a partnership with . I continue to be incredibly inspired by my peers all over the world. I’m particularly inspired by those I’ve met through partnerships with 51ˇçÁ÷and their commitment to zero inequality. Last year alone, 51ˇçÁ÷Corporate Social Responsibility programs reached more than 4.5 million youth and 117,000 teachers across 113 countries, in addition to partnering with nearly 1,600 social impact organizations.

Between on July 15 and International Youth Day on August 12, I am delighted to work with a cohort of young changemakers and writers across 51ˇçÁ÷to bring stories of inspiration, impact, resilience, and creativity.

The Possibilists

On June 15, Ashoka released the , supported by SAP, Google.org, and the Vienna University of Economics and Business (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien). Surveying 1,000 social entrepreneurs representing 137 countries from 16 of the world’s leading youth social innovation networks, the study focused on the unique needs and challenges of young changemakers, and how organizations support these Possibilists.

The International Labour Organization estimates indicate that with the most pronounced fall seen in middle-income countries. The consequences of this disruption to the early labor market experiences of youth could last for years.

According to the Possibilist study, 60% experience a lack of personal financial security, yet 80% of youth report that the COVID-19 pandemic increased their wish to make a change in the world. Around 58% of young changemakers also said that the pandemic has increased their capacity to deliver change in the world. Some of them dedicate everything they have to tackling the most pressing issues of our time. Choosing purpose over paychecks, these Possibilists are unstoppable.

The pandemic has pushed everyone to find new ways to solve challenges big or small. I was particularly inspired when I heard Ryan Gersava speak during the . Gersava is the founder and president at , an impact-driven company that breaks down employment barriers for intersectional groups of individuals who are often discriminated at jobs because of their conditions or former life.

Gersava partnered with 51ˇçÁ÷in 2020 through the program. While he is just one example of redefining youth in action, his story is powerful. Here are four key learnings from our conversation.

1. Personal Sustainability Is a Shared Responsibility

Personal sustainability is an equal responsibility when you run a company. Often, the focus is heavily on others and not on ourselves. Social impact leaders don’t put enough value on their personal well-being, forgetting that it is at the cost of the health of the company. This is not about the person leading alone, but everyone being part of the company. Gersava emphasizes on the importance of work, though the internal struggle is not something to be ignored: “We need a systemic solution to support young changemakers, so we don’t reach our breaking point.”

2. Intention Without Investment Is Futile

Even when there is awareness and intention, what really is required is investment, in terms of time, effort, and resources. Organizations should invest in a resident psychologist, irrespective of whether they are dealing with vulnerable communities or not.

3. Power of Internal Changemakers

Every organization should invest in internal or “resident” changemakers who can bring a vital fresh perspective and respect people’s time, efforts, stories, and inspiration. A mandatory policy to support changemakers should be in place. Like Gersava, 93% of SAP’s workforce of more than 103,000 acknowledges the importance of pursuing purpose.

4. Shift from Founder-Focused to Purpose-Driven Organizations

“During the early days of social entrepreneurship, most companies are very founder-centric,” Gersava shared. “When that happens, the founder can no longer do his work because all his efforts and energy goes into meeting people who are equally or more inspiring than him.” He says he is proud that his organization has reached a point where the purpose will live on even if the founder doesn’t.

The world will always need more good news, stories like Gersava’s, of curiosity leading to courage leading to change. I have faith that the Possibilists will continue to be the source of inspiration and action for years to come, redefining what we think youth are capable of. I’m lucky to see many of these young leaders in action, and I’m honored to tell their stories over the course of the next few weeks. They are the current and future leaders who we need to accelerate innovation and provide fresh ways of thinking to decade old problems.

51ˇçÁ÷is committed to helping the world run better and improve people’s lives, with youth playing a critical role. Join me in sharing the good news by tagging your stories of inspirational youth or your actions inspiring youth with SAP4Good on , , and .

Daliya Manuel is a marketing and communications fellow with 51ˇçÁ÷Corporate Social Responsibility.

Data Science for Everyone found that 90% of the world’s data was created in the last two years. However, only 11% of high school students take a statistics course. Data science jobs have seen a 650% growth since 2012 and reports show that seven of 10 careers with the fastest growth are data-centric. In order to prepare students for the future, a change needs to be made with their relationship with data.

Data Science for Everyone is a  among students, comprised of a coalition of more than 160 educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. Earlier this year, Data Science for Everyone submitted a letter to the Biden administration urging to make data literacy a national priority. They have created actionable steps and gathered resources for educators to implement into their curriculum.

To date, states including California, Oregon, and Ohio are working to update their current curriculum to meet the growing demand. Additionally, UCLA’s Introduction to Data Science course is taught in 26 school districts nationwide. This is still not enough; additional advocacy is needed to help ensure that the issue of data literacy remains part of the conversation surrounding education.

Last month, Data Science for Everyone held a virtual Commitments Campaign event to bring together all stakeholders who are working to make a change in data literacy. The event garnered 272 commitments from companies, education leaders, and policymakers that impact more than 3 million students, 25,000 teachers, and 500 school districts.

Dr. Karina Edmonds, senior vice president and head of Academies and for SAP, spoke to how data science education strengthens our communities and workforce: “We absolutely have to get everyone at the table as the growth of data science jobs continues to skyrocket. We can’t afford to leave a great part of our society behind.”

The for K-12 students over the next year. 51ˇçÁ÷and the 49ers Foundation plan to launch a new data science course by next year that will include data modules focused on using football data to make data science more relevant to students. The two phased program will be comprised of virtual lessons for middle school students, along with a high school curriculum and field trips for grades 9-12.

We can each play a role with bringing this movement to life. Individuals can make their own personal commitment to help ensure that students have access to data literacy skills. Simple things like the following:

• Parents and adults must encourage children’s curiosity around data science and math. Projecting negative past experiences with math and science can influence children’s relationship with data science in the future. Remove negative self-talk — things like “I hate math” or “I’m not good with numbers” — that are only hurting the curiosity we want youth to have.
• Contact decision-makers and initiate conversations in your community to find support for modern standards that reflect the data-centric world. This can include contacting the Department of Education, state legislators, or the local school board and district superintendent. These policymakers influence curriculum, course offerings, and teachers’ professional development, so engaging these leaders and getting them excited about data science can unlock the potential of new courses and better trained teachers.
• Get personally involved as a volunteer. Not all programs rely on volunteer support, but there is great importance in students hearing from experts in the topic being discussed. The 51ˇçÁ÷Corporate Social Responsibility team has partners across North America that can host employees for speaking opportunities. Check out organizations like Ěý˛š˛ÔťĺĚý.