We are witnessing a technological revolution. We really on technology for a wide variety of reasons. From communication to travel and everything in between, technology is a mainstay in our society. So, it stands to reason, that tech companies have become incredibly powerful in recent years. Google, Apple and Microsoft are three of the world’s most powerful businesses. Because of technology’s importance, STEM education is just as important. We need the youth of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. And without a proper STEM education system, these tech companies will not have access to the brightest and most talented individuals possible. Luckily, tech companies are donating to make sure that doesn’t happen.
According to a recent report from InsidePhilanthropy.com, Akamai Technologies has recently announced that it is creating a $50 million endowment in order to advocate for K-12 STEM education. While the donation will include all STEM fields, it will have a slight focus on math.
Akamai Technologies is no stranger to STEM education and philanthropy, having already donated $5 million, however, this latest push is aimed at offering a boost to STEM education on a global scale. The cloud company hopes to improve the STEM education systems in some of the cities it has offices. The Akamai Foundation, the philanthropic entity that is handling the donation, is also focused on partnering with sponsors and organizations that advocate for young women to become interested in STEM fields.
If you’re a returning visitor to my site, you know that STEM education and diversity in STEM fields are two topics that I’m particularly passionate about. As a young female who is very invested in a career in STEM, I think that it is important to encourage other young women of all backgrounds to follow their STEM-related dreams so that we have a diverse workforce.
Luckily, this seems to be something of a growing trend amongst tech industries and philanthropists. Major tech giants, like Apple and Google have donated partnered with STEM education organization like Girls Who Code and Black Girls Who Code. Microsoft and Intel are two other tech companies looking to become allies of the growing STEM education movement.
Hopefully these tech companies will continue donating and bring on other, non-STEM-related companies to join the movement.
