News Summary
GenTech has partnered with Balsz School District to enhance STEM education for elementary students in Phoenix. The program focuses on skills in AI, coding, and robotics, aligning curriculum with local tech industry needs. This initiative aims to engage students through hands-on projects, fostering interest in technology careers. With a substantial demand for STEM jobs anticipated, GenTech is providing resources and curriculum support to schools and addressing the teacher shortage in these fields.
Phoenix – GenTech, a prominent technology support company, has joined forces with the Balsz School District to enhance STEM education for elementary students in Phoenix. This collaboration seeks to equip young learners with essential skills in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), coding, and robotics, essential for the workforce of the future.
The initiative focuses on aligning educational content with the specific competencies that local technology companies are poised to demand. Michael Wilson, the Chief Operating Officer at GenTech, underscored the importance of preparing students for opportunities in the rapidly growing tech sector in Arizona. Recent investments in the technology field reinforce this imperative, as students need to be ready to engage with these emerging professions.
The curriculum has been shaped by insights from the Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), ensuring that students receive relevant and practical knowledge in technology fields. The program will allow students to explore a variety of technical applications, helping them gauge their interest in STEM careers. With the current landscape indicating a significant projected growth rate of 10.8% in STEM jobs from 2022 to 2032, attention to this educational aspect is critical.
As part of this program, students will work on tangible projects, such as video games, using creative tools designed to pique their interest in technological fields. One example includes a project by eleven-year-old Devany Martinez Cardiel, who is developing a Peppa Pig-themed video game that incorporates coding to create an interactive storyline. This kind of engaging content is intended to captivate young learners and steer them towards potential careers in technology.
GenTech is committed to providing participating schools with all necessary resources, including equipment, curriculum, and qualified instructors. The instructional staff comprises college students employed by GenTech, allowing them to gain part-time jobs in education with an hourly pay starting at $30. This initiative not only supports the learning experience of elementary students but also addresses the significant teacher shortage facing STEM fields.
Phoenix’s Kenilworth Elementary School’s principal has noted the observable improvements in student engagement and attendance attributed to the GenTech program. The program’s structure allows schools to cater to students’ growing interest in technology while enhancing overall educational experiences.
Furthermore, GenTech has reached over 30,000 students across more than 300 classrooms in various school districts in Arizona. This widespread impact highlights the company’s commitment to making STEM education accessible and engaging for all students. As part of its ongoing efforts, GenTech plans to launch the GenTech Foundation, which will support Title I schools in seeking funding for STEM resources.
This partnership between GenTech and the Balsz School District marks a significant step in preparing the next generation for a workforce that will likely be dominated by technology. With the expectation of continued growth and investment in STEM fields, initiatives like this one are crucial to ensuring that students possess the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the future.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR News: GenTech and Balsz School District Partnership
- EdTech Innovation Hub: University of Phoenix’s Hal Morgan
- AZ Central: Phoenix-Based GenTech
- Wikipedia: STEM Education
- Google Search: STEM Education Growth
