Flying High with Education: Boeing's Ongoing Partnership
Listen up, there's steam in the kettle and it's all about STEM. Boeing's cut another check, this time dropping $125,000 into the hat for Think Together, a nonprofit on a mission to turbocharge STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and workforce readiness for kids stuck in the shuffle over in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
A Seven-Year Stretch of Support
Put it this way: Boeing isn't new to the party. Their total investment now rings in north of $700,000 over the past seven years aimed squarely at slapping some real-world relevance into classrooms. This isn't just about pouring money into books and gears; it's about lighting a fire under these kids to see future possibilities in aerospace, tech, and engineering. It's about breaking down those four walls of the classroom and giving these youngsters a peek at what careers could look like beyond paper and pencils.
"Supporting programs that connect STEM learning with workforce readiness helps students build the skills, confidence and curiosity needed to pursue future careers in aerospace, technology and engineering." — Mark Taylor, Boeing
Hands-On Learning: Not Just Theory
This ain't just some sit and watch the teacher jabber type program. No ma'am, Think Together has a reputation for getting these kids' hands dirty. We're talking about hands-on projects that really put the 'E' in STEM. Picture kids building up bottle rockets and messing around with robotics. Through these practical projects, critical skills get honed without pupils even realizing they're learning. That's right, missing out on fun isn't an option here.
From Micro-Internships to Big Dreams
High schoolers get a sweet deal with access to Think Together's Workforce Readiness and Employment Program (WREP). Now this is where it gets real interesting. Beyond the classroom, they can take this knowledge and channel it into real-world scenarios through micro-internships, even taking strolls through Boeing's cockpit of innovation—locals call it their facilities. It's all wrapped up in that package called 'learning by doing'. And what's any good education without a bit of applying for jobs and prepping for interviews? They've got that covered too.
- Exposure to industry-standard tech and equipment
- Participate in projects such as Forces of Flight, robotics, and physical computing
- Learn critical skills for tech-centric job markets
A Bigger Picture for Education
Randy Barth, the head honcho of Think Education — the brains behind Think Together — isn't shy about the mission. For over a quarter century, Think Together has been mixing tradition with innovation, partnering with schools to make real, measurable dents in the education landscape for the betterment of thousands of California's young dreamers. In a world of dizzying change, they're the steady hand guiding kids to access opportunities that'll open up that sky high cloud of potential.
Boeing, on the flip side, stands as a global behemoth—a reminder of where education investments can lead, given the right nurturing. They're not just building planes; they're helping mold the craftsmen of tomorrow. That's a community investment going further than any solo venture. It’s more than planes and rockets, it's about investing in future game-changers who might one day be contributing to innovation with their two cents.
