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Cognizant 'Making the Future' Initiative Awards 34 STEM Grants to Youth ProgramsTEANECK, N.J., Feb. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) today announced it is awarding 34 grants to after-school, in-school, and summer programs at 54 sites across the U.S. through its 'Making the Future' education initiative. Designed to inspire interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education among students from grade school through high school, the initiative supports hands-on learning opportunities that promote creativity, problem-solving, collaboration and self-expression. The 2015 grants will provide more than 5,000 young learners with access to over 250,000 hours of making activities focused on STEM topics, including electronics, robotics, computer programming, digital fabrication, 3D printing and wearable technology. "As a technology leader, we know that closing the talent gap in the STEM fields is critical to keeping America's innovation economy vibrant. The innovative programs that we have developed and support help inspire and prepare our youth to capitalize on the growing number of STEM career opportunities," said Steven Schwartz, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Cognizant. "Making is an excellent way to ignite interest in STEM. By providing access to interactive learning opportunities in a wide range of communities, we are helping children across a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds bring their discoveries and dreams to life." Cognizant's 'Making the Future' education initiative was created to unleash the passion of young learners—particularly girls and underrepresented minorities—in STEM disciplines by providing fun, hands-on learning opportunities. In 2014, Cognizant announced its commitment to provide 1.5 million hours of making experiences to 25,000 youth in over 200 communities by the end of 2017. To reach this goal, Cognizant is partnering with leading non-profits and maker-focused organizations to expand the maker footprint nationwide, including DonorsChoose.org in supporting grants to schools servicing military families; Maker Corps in hosting sites to train making facilitators; the New York Hall of Science in sponsoring its Maker Space; and Maker Faires in New York and California in hosting the Young Makers Pavilion. In addition, Cognizant annually awards U.S. college scholarships to students pursuing STEM careers. "Cognizant's 'Making the Future' grant is helping students discover new pathways to future success," said Linda Cagley, Education Vice President of McPIE (McClintock Partners in Education), a grant recipient in Charlotte, N.C. "As they experience 3D CAD design, learn to use a 3D printer, and build mini quad-copters, they discover that math, science and engineering concepts are relevant. The power of making is helping them envision a future in a STEM field. We are truly thankful to Cognizant for providing this opportunity—you are indeed touching and changing lives!" "The 'Making the Future' grant from Cognizant has provided The Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic with the opportunity to double the number of participants in our STEM program by opening a second site at our Passaic Club," said Peter J. Thornton, Execuive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, N.J. "This program will introduce 60 children in grades 3–8 to STEM concepts through hands-on and experiential learning opportunities. The grant from Cognizant will expand the minds of our young learners and give them the opportunity to make STEM part of their life-long learning journey." The recipients of the 2015 'Making the Future' grants are:
About Cognizant Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110329/NY67603LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cognizant-making-the-future-initiative-awards-34-stem-grants-to-youth-programs-300037022.html SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation |