AstraZeneca has announced the launch of a new science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programme – dubbed ‘STEM’ – in partnership with Learning Undefeated and Discovery Education.
The companies define the mutual goals as “inspiring the next generation about science and building a strong foundation for tomorrow’s researchers.”
The three-year signature initiative is designed to make learning about health and disease engaging, accessible, and exciting for students in grades six to eight, primarily in under-resourced schools across the country.
José Baselga, executive vice president, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca said, “We are at a pivotal moment in humankind, where the future advances in science, biology, engineering, and mathematics are going to shape our world in ways that we can’t even imagine.
“Empowering the next generation of scientific leaders is critical to that mission and we are pleased to roll out this community program with our partners to inspire students to consider STEM careers in healthcare.”
The program will kick off with a Virtual Field Trip to AstraZeneca’s Gaithersburg, MD, research laboratories, under the programme “Generation Health: How Science Powers Us”, which will provide students first-hand access to the technology and scientists working to create medical breakthroughs for the world’s most pressing health problems.
The company says that the programme will provide hands-on, standards-aligned STEM learning activities where students investigate both preventative measures and innovative solutions to key health concerns in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, and respiratory disease.
