The University City Science Center said Tuesday it has formed a “digital alliance” with Microsoft Corp. that will focus on digital literacy, small business and entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and youth engagement with STEM subjects.
Stephen S. Tang, president and CEO of the Science Center, said the partnership with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) will expand on the work the organization has already been doing at the Science Center to support entrepreneurship and engage middle-school science, technology, engineering and math students. “Together we will be able to reach new audiences and introduce even more people to the transformative power and potential of technology,” Tang said.
As part of the alliance, announced during a Microsoft YouthSpark Town Hall program in Philadelphia on Tuesday, the two organizations will jointly host a health care innovation roundtable on July 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. for local members and partners of the Science Center and neighboring health care communities.
After the Democratic National Convention, the Science Center will work with Microsoft to offer a “DigiCamp” program for boys, a “DigiGirlz” day program for girls, and an educational forum that will focus on development and capacity building for startup organizations and small businesses through the Microsoft BizSpark program.
The programs will take place at the Microsoft Reactor space on the ground floor of 3711 Market St.
“Microsoft is thrilled to support the Science Center because we believe that the power of technology helps individuals and communities do more and achieve more, so they can ultimately realize their full potential,” said Donna Woodall, director of Microsoft citizenship and public affairs, in a prepared statement. “This strategic alliance with the Science Center is exciting as it provides youth with access to coding courses such as video game development and small businesses and entrepreneurs with innovation workshops as well as technology tools to help them reach their goals.”
