In NSW and VIC schools.
Amazon has launched a new program to inspire and encourage children from underserved and low-income communities to pursue careers in computer science.
The new Camp Amazon program will give 100 school students in New South Wales and Victoria the opportunity to participate in a wide-ranging two-year program to develop their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills.
The students will engage each term in STEM activities including coding camps and workshops undertaken at Amazon’s fulfilment centres in either Melbourne or Sydney after school or during summer holiday. The sessions will be led by Amazon and industry leaders in the STEM field.
Amazon Robotics chief technologist, Tye Brady presenting a $10,000 cheque to Hoxton Park Public School (Sydney) principal, Kylie Donovan
Amazon Australia director of operations, Craig Fuller said, “We recognise that the jobs of tomorrow require a strong aptitude for STEM, we see it in our growing business, and want to be part of the solution.
“We want to set up children for long-term success. In Australia, there are 100,000 students currently involved in studying some type of STEM program outside of the school curriculum, but with over 3.2 million students enrolled in Years 1-10, the majority are still lacking exposure to the subjects.
“That’s why we are supporting STEM education programs to better prepare Australian students for future in-demand jobs. Through Camp Amazon we hope to see the long-term benefits of helping create a future workforce for Australia by equipping students with the skills they will need for tomorrow.”
Amazon Robotics chief technologist, Tye Brady was in Australia to launch Camp Amazon and held a presentation for 25 students in Year 5 and 6 from Hoxton Park Public School (pictured below).
“Amazon has long been focused on the next generation by providing resources and igniting passion for STEM education in the communities that it operates worldwide,” he said.
“Amazon continues to create great new jobs each year using STEM skills within our 175 fulfilment centres around the world. I am excited to be in Australia and share first hand my knowledge and passion to young students from Hoxton Park Public School and donate $10,000 for the school to buy STEM resources.
“We believe Camp Amazon will better prepare Australian students to meet the demands of the jobs of the future and over the two-year program we will work alongside industry leaders to offer their insights to students. They will play an active role in the program and support students’ existing studies as well as focusing on areas such as computer science, process engineering, robotics and IT. The move has never been timelier, given that the 2017 National Scientific Statement found that enrolments in STEM were at its lowest level in 20 years.”
The program will follow the students over a two-year period, allowing them to gain education across the fields of STEM through after school programs and school holiday camps. Upon completion, successful students will be awarded a $500 Amazon voucher to support them in their future studies or careers, with ten participating schools being allocated $10,000 for communal use STEM equipment.