CA Technologies Supports Innovative STEM Education at Citizen Schools

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CA Technologies Supports Innovative STEM Education at Citizen Schools

Boston, MA – July 30, 2012 – Citizen Schools, one of the nation’s leading education organizations, announced today it has received a $50,000 donation from CA Technologies, a leading IT management software and solutions company, to help fund science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for 1,350 students across six schools in Massachusetts.

Citizen Schools partners with middle schools across the country to expand the learning day for children in low-income communities through afterschool and expanded learning time programs. The organization mobilizes a second shift of afternoon educators, who provide academic support, leadership development, and "apprenticeships"—hands-on projects taught by volunteers from business and civic organizations.  The program plans to serve over 5,000 students and engage 4,000 volunteers in 8 states this upcoming school year.

“Through our support of Citizen Schools and their STEM education initiative, our goal is to help provide the tools teachers need to transform the lives of young people and encourage the development of future leaders in Information Technology,” said Erica Christensen, senior director, Community Affairs, CA Technologies. “We believe in making the most of every young person’s talent and potential, and through this partnership we aim to empower resource-constrained students and schools.”

The demand for professionals in the STEM fields is projected to dramatically outpace supply over the coming decades. The STEM field is expected to have nearly three million job openings by 2018, but the number of students graduating with a STEM degree has no anticipated change, according to a 2011 study featured in the journal Science Education.

“CA Technologies and Citizen Schools share a commitment to transform public education to help build a 21st century workforce. Hands-on projects and real-world challenges that engage students can orient them toward college and eventually, a career,” said Pat Kirby, Executive Director at Citizen Schools Massachusetts. “We rely on expert scientists, engineers, and technology professionals to teach apprenticeships that help improve student’s skills and interests in these areas.”

About Citizen Schools 

Citizen Schools is a leading national education initiative that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for children in low-income communities across the country through afterschool and expanded learning time programs. The organization mobilizes a second shift of afternoon educators, who provide academic support, leadership development, and "apprenticeships"—hands-on projects taught by volunteers from business and civic organizations. At 31 middle schools in eight states across the country, Citizen Schools students develop the skills they need to succeed in high school, college, the workforce, and civic life.

Learn more about Citizen Schools’ programs and results at www.citizenschools.org. 

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