NEW YORK: Premier League giants Chelsea FC have launched a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) programme in the American city in partnership with USA’s leading education technology company EVERFI.
Chelsea, through its foundation, is expected to serve 25 schools in the city with this initiative. Called as the ‘Digital Blue – Career Inspiration’ project, it kicked off with Chelsea Foundation members visiting the Frederick Douglass Academy in the city, where they met students and teachers at the school to discuss the importance of STEM subjects on future career paths.
The unique and free-of-cost programme will introduce middle and high school students to exciting careers in technical fields. It uses gamified lessons to encourage and prepare students for a career in STEM. As part of the course experience, students will virtually hear from our players and staff who will talk about the importance of STEM education and how these topics are part of key careers in the industry.
During the visit, coaches from the Chelsea Foundation’s international department visited a class of Digital Blue Scholars to get a first-hand experience of the course. Following their time in the classroom, the coaches hosted a skills lesson, teaching the students how STEM is relevant in the field.
Chelsea Foundation head Simon Taylor said: “We are delighted to be expanding our work in Harlem and New York with this exciting STEM-focused project.”
“Since 2013 we have worked with FC Harlem and local schools to develop community initiatives for young people in New York and this programme will allow our education team to support many more children in what is a crucial subject for the future.
“Using the power of sport we believe we are uniquely positioned to assist people of all ages and we hope everyone who takes part goes home inspired by what they have learned about science, technology, engineering and maths.”
80% of the fastest-growing careers require skills from require skills from one or more STEM fields. Earlier in the week, club ambassador Paulo Ferreira visited EVERFI’s offices for a crash course in what the programme will offer those who take part.
“It was great to visit EVERFI’s offices during the visit and understand how they will work with the Foundation to help young people in Harlem.
“Education is vital and anything we can do as a football club to support in this key area can prove invaluable for the students who take part.”, the formers Blues defender said.
