As an education program manager in the HP Office of Global Social Innovation, one of my favorite activities is announcing new social investment programs. So it's my pleasure to share with you our new education programs that are aimed at innovations in STEM+ learning and empowering socially responsible entrepreneurs through global collaboration and the power of technology. Our goal is to equip educators, students and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and tools to drive amazing social change in their communities and around the world. Needless to say, I'm VERY excited - I think you will be, too...
We believe there is no better way to address society's most pressing challenges than by equipping students, educators and future entrepreneurs with the skills and technology to turn their ideas and ambition into action. Our long-term vision is a world where unlimited educational opportunities transform lives, strengthen communities and drive social change worldwide. To turn our vision into reality, we are partnering with leading education, non-profit and nongovernmental institutions to offer three new programs described below.
So what could be more exciting than announcing these new programs? Perhaps selecting exciting and innovative proposals in a few months! Will yours be one of them?
Jim Vanides, B.S.M.E, M.Ed.
Education Programs
HP Office of Global Social Innovation
Hewlett-Packard
Twitter @jgvanides
For information about the HP Office of Global Social Innovations, visit www.hp.com/go/grants
HP Catalyst Initiative
Through the HP Catalyst Initiative, we are creating a global network of consortia that will explore more effective approaches to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. In 2010, each of 5 consortia will receive more than $1 million in technology, cash, and professional assistance. The goal is to create international collaborative "sandboxes" of innovation that will explore what the future of STEM education can look like-a future where students use their technical and creative ingenuity to address urgent social challenges in their communities and around the world. In 2010, this initiative welcomes proposals from eligible institutions in eleven targeted countries. For more information, visit www.hp.com/go/hpcatalyst.
HP EdTech Innovators Award
HP and the New Media Consortium (NMC) have teamed to launch the HP EdTech Innovators Award to showcase and support educators who are using technology in groundbreaking ways inside and outside the classroom. In 2010, a maximum of ten education institutions will each receive an HP technology grant valued at approximately $40,000 (HP list price) as well as membership in a social network that includes support, training and other features intended to help grantees develop and share their ideas. By showcasing the work of pioneering educators, HP's aim is to accelerate the integration of information technology into curricula and teaching worldwide. In 2010, this program welcomes proposals from eligible institutions in more than 50 countries. For more information, visit www.hp.com/go/edtech.
HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs
HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE) is a global training program that builds IT and business skills among recent graduates, aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping them transform their lives and the lives of others in their communities. HP LIFE builds on our successful GET-IT, HELP, and MAP education and training programs. HP partners with more than 200 organizations worldwide to deliver training customized to address local conditions and challenges. The goal of the HP LIFE program is to reach more than 500,000 recent graduates and young entrepreneurs by the end of 2010. For more information, visit www.hp.com/go/hpentrepreneurs.
US National Lab Day
To top it off, in the in the United States, HP is supporting the National Lab Day program. This support aligns with a White House-endorsed 'Educate to Innovate' initiative across America. We just announced our support for National Lab Day through skilled volunteering, backed by HP technology and cash donations, in a year-long campaign. HP is stepping up to help encourage students in schools across America, to enjoy and explore the world of opportunities that they can access through education in science, technology, engineering and math. With our HP employees, we will be working in hands-on projects with educators and students, to inspire a whole new generation of innovators! Here's our announcement today, and more detail will follow next month: http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/grants/nld.html
