WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, today announced it will partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to extend science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to thousands of children and teens across the country. Thermo Fisher’s initial contribution and in-kind support is valued at $340,000, with an additional investment over a three-year period after a successful pilot year.
“Our philanthropic focus is to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by introducing them to STEM subjects in a way that is engaging and fun,” said Marc N. Casper, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Thermo Fisher share the same commitment to STEM. Together we will have a greater impact in making math and science education accessible so that young students gain the skills needed to compete in a global economy.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that STEM-related occupations will expand to more than 9 million by 2022. This is an increase of 1 million jobs compared with 2012, when the last detailed report was issued.
A BGCA participant at a recent Thermo Fisher STEM education program commented:
"I never realized how much fun designing and building is. I always thought this was something only boys did. I was a little nervous about doing the activity, but I had so much fun! I am really good at building things and being creative. Now, I want to be an engineer when I grow up!”
Emma, age 10
Thermo Fisher will enhance the existing BGCA DIY STEM curriculum by donating more than 4,500 of its STEM-credible lab safety kits, as well as additional equipment so participants can safely conduct experiments and explore science. Each STEM-credible kit includes a reusable drawstring bag, nitrile gloves, splash guard goggles, a lab safety apron and a notebook. During its pilot year, more than 300 Boys & Girls Clubs across 27 regions will have access to the new “DIY STEM Kit, Powered by Thermo Fisher,” benefitting more than 15,000 children and teens.
In addition to DIY STEM kits, Thermo Fisher will fund BGCA’s plan to test, refine and scale the essential elements of their STEM program. This will ensure consistent and high-quality STEM programming, improve the staff’s ability to deliver high-quality STEM experiences and provide a roadmap at various engagement levels to gauge readiness for post-secondary education and careers in STEM.
“To genuinely prepare our nation’s kids and teens for tomorrow's economy, we must engage students beyond the classroom and offer interactive and fun opportunities to ignite a passion in STEM fields,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of BGCA. “Thanks to our partnership with Thermo Fisher, more members will have access to tools and STEM learning to build pathways and achieve a greater future.”
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $17 billion and more than 50,000 employees in 50 countries. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services – we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,200 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.
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