Both the SIM national network and its regional chapters support schools, programs, and organizations that encourage and enable students—K-12, technical training programs, undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education— to enter into and contribute to the information technology profession. These organizations are often directly aligned with the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs that are charged with increasing the number of teachers trained in teaching STEM subjects and growing the number of students focused on these studies. In 2010, President Obama launched the Educate to Innovate campaign to address America’s middle-of-the-pack STEM achievement.
The Philanthropy and Education Committees of SIM Detroit work together to encourage STEM students to pursue careers in technology by collaborating with these local organizations through donations, mentorship, and advising.
SIM Detroit funded the Sonic Pi program at the Cornerstone Health + Technology High School. This 8-week after-school program focuses on teaching students to use the Sonic Pi live coding music synth. Participants learn to write using the Ruby language, an industry standard, while they engage in arts-based project learning. Each student either composes and original song or remakes a famous piece.
SIM Detroit has also been a long standing partner of the Michigan Council for Women in Technology (MCWT) and has supported their annual Camp Infinity for over 10 years. Camp Infinity is a week long summer technology camp for girls aged 9 to 13 years old that introduces technology as fun and fulfilling and inspires the pursuit of technology education. It builds confidence and capability with hands-on technology activities such as robotics, computer game design, and website development.
A SIM Detroit donation enable the Camp to replace their out-of-date robotics equipment. SIM volunteers also serve on career panels and mentor teams. This video highlights the 2016 Camp.