Medtronic Foundation launches STEM partnerships to help 60,000 underserved students

Multi-year partnerships to serve 60,000 underserved K-12 students in Minnesota, Northern California, and Puerto Rico. The partnerships address persistent inequities by creating economic advancement and improving lives through STEM education.

The Medtronic Foundation today announced 13 new partnerships with leading organizations serving underrepresented and underserved K-12 students in Minnesota, Northern California and Puerto Rico. Partnerships will address the root cause of persistent inequities by creating opportunity for economic advancement and improving lives through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.

Within a two-year span, the Medtronic Foundation will invest nearly $4 million to collectively serve over 60,000 underserved and underrepresented students across three priority locations. Key locations have been prioritized based on evidence of racial and economic disparities where Medtronic employees have the greatest footprint and capability to drive social change.

"Long-lasting, community driven changes start locally. Our partners have trust of communities, and the expertise to lead transformative change in STEM education,"

said Jess Daly, director of programs and partnerships, Medtronic Foundation.

"Together with our partners and Medtronic employee volunteers, we're narrowing in on places we are uniquely equipped to help create a world where there are no barriers to health, wellbeing and prosperity."

In addition to funding, Medtronic employee volunteers will partner with each organization to deploy employee talent in the form of mentorship to students and other skilled volunteerism for organizations, strengthening systems of care and sustainable outcomes.

"The Medtronic Foundation's commitment to students, educators, and the communities they serve is inspiring, and Project Lead The Way could not be more excited to partner with Medtronic employee volunteers to provide students in high-need schools with transformative, real-world learning experiences,"

said Dr. Vince Bertram, Project Lead The Way president and CEO.

"This impactful investment will positively influence student outcomes by equipping them with key subject matter and transportable skills that will enable them to thrive in life long after they've left the classroom."

Partnerships with STEM organizations are part of a larger effort by the Medtronic Foundation to elevate its focus on STEM and promote equity and representation with the goal of improving lives of underserved communities. This builds on existing community health partnerships with Northern California Center for Well-Being and HealthFinders Collaborative in these key locations. For more information, please see the complete list of new Medtronic Foundation partnerships below or visit medtronicfoundation.org(opens new window).

Source: Medtronics news