Octo, the premier pure-play IT modernization provider for the Federal Government, announced its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee will hold its 2021 Virtual STEAM Expo December 4 to address the educational needs of underrepresented students in the D.C. metro area and throughout the country. This year, more than 500 students and volunteers are expected to take part, marking 400% growth since last year’s event that served 100 students.
Similar to STEM, STEAM focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math but additionally highlights art as the creative skill essential to complementing STEM disciplines.
The 2021 virtual event will offer a series of live, interactive STEAM activities and experiments to encourage and engage students. Attendees will receive a no-cost custom kit of materials needed to participate. Following the event, video of all activities and experiments will be made available online, allowing anyone access and offering teachers a resource for virtual and in-person learning.
The objective to reach students who are underrepresented in STEAM fields aligns with Octo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in technology focused professions. Octo’s CSR Manager Vanessa Davis said, “Octo is driven by a talented, diverse workforce who recognize the vast array of technological, climate, and societal challenges that make STEAM education essential to the future of our nation and world. This is one small role we can play to help ensure a diversity of perspectives are inspired to become part of our shared global culture of innovation. We are particularly excited to serve more students than we have in years past and invite the public to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to benefit from volunteer efforts put forth by our technical and business experts.”
Davis added, “Initiatives like this STEAM event are indicative of Octo’s core value of seva, which translates to serving a greater purpose. Since its inception, Octo has given to underserved communities, supported veteran-focused charities, and donated time and money to many non-profit organizations that serve the communities in which Octo has a corporate presence.”
Schools and students interested in taking part in this year’s STEAM Expo may do so by registering online by November 21.
Led by Davis, Octo’s CSR Committee serves vulnerable and diverse communities, spearheading corporate-backed initiatives to advance food security, technology education, and health outcomes through volunteer, fundraising, and corporate matching programs.
Source: Businesswire
