WESTBURY, N.Y.–Jovia Financial Credit Union has become the lead sponsor/partner of We Connect The Dots, a Westbury, N.Y.-based non-profit that offers at-risk youth the opportunity to engage in experiential learning programs for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).
Jovia’s $35,000 sponsorship will support the not-profit’s annual Code-a-Thon and other educational programs from the end of 2020 throughout 2021. The program is designed to assist young people prepare for entry into America’s evolving workplace.
We Connect the Dots was founded by entrepreneur and Microsoft veteran Laurie Carey to address the digital divide in communities nationally. Currently the organization works with students, primarily on Long Island and in the Greater New York Metro area. The not-for-profit’s programs provide underrepresented populations from low-income communities and others with opportunities to access and personally experience working in STEAM-focused disciplines. These programs give students the skills they need to enter the work force or continue their education in STEAM related fields such as engineering, science and computing.
“Jovia is committed to serving our community and we recognize the importance of advancing the education and skills of young people,” said Raymond Schwetz, AVP-community relations with Jovia. “STEAM careers are in high demand and our efforts with We Connect the Dots will encourage students to pursue professions within these fields. Supporting education is part of Jovia’s history and by partnering with We Connect the Dots we continue this important legacy while connecting into the twenty first century of workplace development.”
We Connect the Dots’ sixth annual Code-a-Thon will take place virtually from Jan. 29-31. The free 48-hour event gives students ages 13-18 the opportunity to use technology, research and collaboration to address challenges confronting the human race on a global scale. Teams will then have 48 hours to complete their projects, which includes a final presentation to judges live on the Microsoft Teams online collaboration platform. The top three teams will earn prizes.