By Capt. Scott C. Gibney, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Co-owner of Gibney College Solutions LLC
What was unthinkable a few years ago is happening today. Self-driving cars, Wi-Fi connected “smart” refrigerators, and drones delivering packages to our homes are just a few examples of how technology is changing the world. With all of these advancements comes opportunities for careers in technology-driven industries; however, to access these jobs, employees will need to be educated and trained in disciplines focused on science, technology, engineering and math, commonly referred to as STEM.
Microsoft notes that “providing the education and training people need to thrive in the digital economy is a defining challenge of our time. Around the world, high school students should graduate with the digital skills they need for jobs that are in demand. Those already in the workforce must have opportunities to gain new skills as they move through their careers.”
FOR MILITARY KIDS
Companies are finding it difficult to meet the ever-increasing need for STEM-educated professionals. To meet the challenge, some companies have instituted programs that address the need to prepare students, even as early as fourth grade, for future technology requirements in a digital economy. Microsoft is one company that has been proactive in this area and has expanded its reach to include the military community.
Through a program called YouthSpark, Microsoft has focused on getting elementary and middle school students excited about STEM-related studies that can result in careers in computing and information technology. In 2018, Microsoft expanded the digital education program by extending it to military families on eight U.S. military bases. The company believes that bringing the program to military bases will result in “opening new opportunities for these kids to learn and grow, encouraging and making it possible for students of all backgrounds to embrace technology.”
Microsoft’s Military Affairs team is committed to helping the veteran and military community find meaningful opportunities in today’s digital economy. Their initiatives include hiring efforts and career training programs, as well as community and citizenship activities.
MEETING A CHALLENGE
As part of its philanthropies program, Microsoft looks to boost digital skills to help prepare for advances in technology like cloud computing and artificial intelligence. These technologies have begun transforming industry and, as a result, reshaping how we work, just as the Industrial Revolution did. This new digital economy provides workers with exciting job opportunities; but the lack of skills and understanding of what these jobs entail has resulted in a shortage of qualified workers. Microsoft has committed to helping close the opportunity gap for young people. To expand the ability to create, innovate and thrive in STEM, their focus has turned to learning digital skills as part of early education programs.
Microsoft is working to address the skills gap by:
- Expanding access to computer science education and digital skills.
- Advocating for policies that increase access to opportunities to learn digital skills.
- Creating pathways to good careers by investing in organizations, like the Markle Foundation, to build a new model that will help millions of Americans overcome barriers to obtaining better jobs.
The Markle Foundation’s mission is to “realize the potential of information technology to address previously intractable public problems for the economic security, health, and national security of all Americans.” Microsoft invested $25 million to expand Markle’s Skillful initiative, a data-driven approach aimed at building good-paying jobs in a skills-based labor market.
GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE
Adding to the challenge is the high dropout rate, and changes in majors, for college students pursuing STEM-based curriculums. Students are finding that they have not been adequately prepared in high school for the rigorous course of study involved in many of the degrees. In addition, standard teaching practices can result in boring classroom lectures that are no fun. Let’s face it – for many – math and science are not a good time. That’s where YouthSpark can help. Do you have a military kid who wants to attend a YouthSpark event? Microsoft plans to hold additional YouthSpark for Military Children events in the coming months.
The upcoming locations are slated to include:
- Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Hawaii)
- Beale Air Force Base (California)
- Fort Bliss (Texas)
- Joint Base San Antonio (Texas)
- Jacksonville (Florida)
- Marine Corps Base Camp
- Lejeune (North Carolina)
- Marine Corps Base Quantico (Virginia)
- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (New Jersey)
The free on-base workshops provide military kids with the opportunity to see how cutting edge technologies like robotics and 3D mapping could fit into their futures. That inspiration might be the key to preparing them for a meaningful career in the digital economy.