Telefónica Tech is delighted to announce its partnership with SmartSTEMs, a charity with the core aim of providing equity of access and opportunity for all young people. This partnership aims to create new and strong connections between education and industry, leading to expanded career options and networks.
Telefónica Tech, rapidly growing in the tech industry as a leading Microsoft Partner organisation, firmly believes in inspiring the next generation of young people to embrace the multitude of opportunities that the tech industry has to offer. This is why it has partnered with groundbreaking charity, SmartSTEMs, to support it in providing young people from all backgrounds with access to a quality STEM education through fun and informative initiatives.
About SmartSTEMs
SmartSTEMs is dedicated to inspiring the next generation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by fostering partnerships between industry and education. Its mission is to spark, engage and challenge youth to view STEM subjects differently, encouraging them to pursue STEM education and careers. Central to its vision is ensuring equal access and opportunities for all young people, forging robust links between education and industry to enhance skills, career prospects and networks.
SmartSTEMS’ approach includes large-scale events, outreach initiatives, specialised programs and online events tailored for ages 10-14. These endeavours offer hands-on experiences, workshops, experiments and expert guidance from SmartSTEMs staff, STEM volunteers and business partners. The charity’s scalable and replicable model invites collaboration with academia and business to further expand STEM opportunities through customised activities.
Why is this so important?
Although the Scottish technology industry is thriving, it still faces major barriers concerning the digital skills gap. With only 23% of digital technology roles held by women, women are still largely underrepresented across the tech industry. McKinsey Digital has found that the first major drop-off point for girls in STEM subjects is the transition from primary to secondary school, which reflects the age group that SmartSTEMs is working to actively inspire with the opportunities that STEM subjects and careers can bring.
Furthermore, young people from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities are among the most likely to lack basic digital skills. SmartSTEMs commitment to creating equity in STEM education and opportunities for young people combats this by providing inclusive STEM activities for all young people to enjoy.
By partnering with SmartSTEMs, Telefónica Tech is taking strides in helping to close the digital skills gap in Scotland and beyond. Steven Brown, VP, Business Applications, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:
“We are thrilled to collaborate with SmartSTEMs because it shares our commitment to empowering the next generation in technology. By joining forces, we can leverage our collective skills and expertise to inspire and equip young minds with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. Together, we are not only shaping future leaders in technology, but also fostering a more diverse and equitable STEM ecosystem for generations to come.”
If you would like to learn more about the work that SmartSTEMs does for young people, you can visit their website.