STEM Labs - Pratt and Whitney
Introduction
In November 2022, Pratt & Whitney, through its subsidiary United Technologies Corporation India Pvt Ltd (UTCIPL), and in partnership with United Way Bengaluru (NGO), opened STEM labs in Bangaluru public schools.
These labs, created in collaboration with United Way, feature specialized learning aids, kits, and curriculum focused on experiential science and mathematics learning for school children. This initiative aims to encourage interest in STEM fields and inspire the next generation.
Purpose of the best practice/guidance
This initiative reflects Pratt & Whitney’s commitment to inspiring and empowering new generations, positively impacting their communities and emphasizing innovation and technology.
In addition, Pratt & Whitney has expanded its operations in Bengaluru, reinforcing its investment in developing new local talent and collaborating on research and development in India.
Pratt & Whitney’s initiative to establish STEM labs in public schools in Bengaluru is having a significant impact on the educational, social and economic sectors.
Intended audience
The target audience are the students from primary and secondary education. Many of these students come from low-income communities and have limited access to advanced educational resources. In addition to the students, educators at these institutions benefit from access to modern tools and innovative methodologies that enrich teaching practices.
Description
Pratt & Whitney’s STEM Labs program in Bengaluru, India, is a joint initiative with United Way Bengaluru to encourage STEM learning. The labs have been set up at Karnataka Public School and Government Model Primary School and are expected to positively impact up to 1,000 students.
This initiative reflects Pratt & Whitney’s global commitment to inspiring the next generation, empowering employees to positively impact their communities, and emphasizing innovation and technology.
In addition, Pratt & Whitney expanded its operations in Bengaluru with the opening of the India Engineering Center (IEC) in January 2023, reinforcing its investment in developing local talent and collaborating on research and development in India.
Pratt & Whitney’s initiative to establish STEM labs in public schools in Bangalore, India, is extremely significant for a variety of educational, social, and economic reasons.
Impacts / Outcomes
Pratt & Whitney’s STEM Labs initiative in Bangalore has generated several positive impacts, especially in the social and educational context of the region, such as:
- Encouragement of science and technology: Practical classes and experiences with educational kits make learning more engaging, awakening curiosity in children and strengthening their interest in subjects such as science, mathematics, engineering and technology.
- Inspiration for future careers: Contact with the STEM universe from an early age increases the possibilities of interest in careers in the sector.
- Improvement in learning: The “hands-on” methodology facilitates the understanding of abstract concepts, promoting more lasting and meaningful learning, contributing to school performance.
- Improvement in the quality of public education: Public schools with limited access to resources now have modern laboratories, reducing inequalities.
- Community and private sector involvement: The interaction between schools and industry can open doors to local talent development programs.
Lessons learned
The initiative implemented by Pratt & Whitney in the public schools revealed important lessons about the impact of collaborative education. By introducing interactive and experimental activities in science and technology, it was possible to observe an increase in student engagement, demonstrating that teaching methodologies in practice are highly effective in awakening the interest of children and adolescents in technical areas.
The experience also reinforces the value of partnerships between the private sector, NGOs and public institutions as a means of promoting inclusion and expanding access to quality education. Investing in young people from the earliest years of school has proven to be strategic in stimulating future career choices and forming a solid talent base.
In addition, the initiative highlights the importance of inclusive actions, ensuring that students from vulnerable communities also actively participate in the process. The involvement of industry professionals brings inspiration and tangible examples of the application of knowledge.
However, there is a need for continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure the sustainability and improvement of the project in the long term.
Web link
https://www.prattwhitney.com/en/newsroom/news/2022/11/03/pw-opens-stem-labs-in-bengaluru-in-partnership-with-united-way
Authors and Contributors
Pratt & Whitney
United Technologies Corporation India Pvt Ltd (UTCIPL)