DETROIT — Athletes for Charity, Tata Technologies and the Detroit Lions have joined forces on a program to get students in two Detroit schools excited about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics — while also developing their skills in reading and writing.
“The demand for skilled workers in science, technology, engineering, and math is on the rise, while the availability of qualified applicants is on the decline because students are not pursuing degrees and careers within the sector,” said Alisa Harewood of Tata Technologies, a Singapore-based engineering services company with North American headquarters in Novi.
The program aims to improve learning outcomes and student interest in STEM, while creating pathways to success in post-secondary education and 21st century careers.
Clark Preparatory Academy and Dixon Educational Learning Academy have been selected for the launch of the STEM Youth Literacy Program. Representatives from Tata Technologies, Athletes for Charity and the Detroit Lions are to visit Dixon Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Our partnership with Tata Technologies and the Detroit Lions represent an innovative way to fuse the nonprofit, corporate and sports sectors, to motivate students in the areas of STEM,” said Cathleen Laporte, founder and president of New York-based Athletes for Charity.
The curriculum will include monthly book distributions by various Detroit Lions players, coordinated by Don Carey of the Lions, to deliver age-appropriate STEM-related titles to students. Introductions to STEM literature and careers will be a recurring theme throughout the 10-month-long program. Tata Technologies staff and various Detroit Lions players will volunteer their time to serve as STEM readers at the schools.
Detroit Lions safety Don Carey is a founding member of the program and serves as a liaison to the team and his teammates who have elected to volunteer for the initiative. Invitations have been extended to Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings players to join the team as STEM supporters.
Additional supporters of the STEM Youth Literacy Program include The Helen L. Kay Charitable Trust and athletes such as Detroit native Anthony Adams, a retired nine-year NFL veteran who most recently played for the Chicago Bears.
More about Athletes for Charity at www.athletesforcharity.com. More about Tata Technologies at www.tatatechnologies.com.