STEM Overview
Closing the STEM Education Gap
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and access to technology go hand-in-hand. That’s why UScellular started bringing attention to the issue in 2022 and committed to connecting through our partnerships, 200,000 of tomorrow’s innovators with the resources they need by the end of 2023.
Social Impact Framework
UScellular’s social impact framework to close the STEM education gap begins with awareness. When youth know there are multiple places and paths to a meaningful career in STEM, they see a future of possibilities. Next, we provide vital tools, like access to reliable connectivity, to help youth in rural and underserved communities explore and develop STEM skills to propel them into bright futures. Finally, we partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Girls Who Code to provide STEM education resources and curriculum in safe and encouraging environments to foster a future in a STEM career.
Our ultimate goal is to annually inspire 200,000 of tomorrow’s innovators to future STEM career paths and provide the tools and resources they need to get there.
Disconnecting STEM Myths from the Facts
Opportunities for a career in STEM can now be found anywhere and be anyone. The next developer of agriculture technology, designer of video games, or cell tower engineer can easily be living in a small town away from the traditional tech hubs. Our research has shown there is widespread interest in STEM, if the resources and opportunities are provided. Hear about the STEM career paths and challenges faced by a few UScellular associates. In 2022, we brought awareness to STEM myths, education and careers through local media and social media, resulting in millions of impressions.
Making STEM Accessible
Imagine having an interest in robotics or coding, but no internet connection to explore those topics and practice these skills. Through the UScellular After School Access Project, we’re committed to donating up to $13 million in mobile hotspots and service to youth-serving nonprofits to help give up to 50,000 youth access to learning, including STEM education, in 2023.
Partners in STEM Education
For more than a decade, partnerships with organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America and, more recently, Girls Who Code, have provided students with resources, access, mentorship, and hands-on education to reach their full potential. Through our partnerships, we connected 200,000 of tomorrow’s innovators with the resources they need in 2023.
Ask an Engineer
During one of our favorite events of the year, UScellular engineers visited Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee Valley’s Regal Entertainment Teen Center and Haslam Family Club University to drive interest in engineering careers. Following a presentation on the process of network connectivity, Club members were able to explore a UScellular truck and all-terrain vehicle used by on-site tower engineers.
Connecting the Numbers
We connected with our communities:
- $1.3 million invested in nonprofits (with nearly 90 percent supporting STEM) in 2022.
- 200,000 youth reached with STEM resources in 2022.
- 170,000 Boys & Girls Club members given access to STEM education resources and experiences in 2022-2023 school year.
- $150,000 donated to Girls Who Code in 2022 to help close STEM education gap.