Improving the Next Generation’s Digital Proficiency Through Volunteerism

FARMINGTON, CT / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2023 / "Otis is more than just elevators -- we have robots, we have coders. We have a world of digital technology here to explore," said Coulette, Otis Director, Digital Technology, North America.

Otis volunteers like Coulette step up to help community partners who are working with younger generations to ensure they instill both STEM and digital awareness skills.

For Coulette, it all started when her son got involved with a high school robotics program. She could tell that he was onto something big when she saw how passionate he was about his involvement. Soon, she found herself not just his biggest fan, but an active volunteer and mentor for the team, focused on using four key skills based on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, or STEM.

As part of our ESG goals, Otis aims to achieve 500,000 colleague volunteer hours in support of vibrant communities, STEM education and social equity efforts globally by 2030. In addition, we also strive to impact 15,000 students through STEM-focused programming by 2030. Our signature Made to Move Communities^TM program is a key focus area of our STEM commitment. Since its launch three years ago, we have engaged and inspired 500+ young minds around the world in STEM education, empowering them to imagine new inclusive mobility solutions for people in their local communities.

Let's learn more about Coulette, as well as some of her fellow colleagues who are volunteering with organizations in their communities. Together they are helping the next generation flex and develop STEM curiosity, skills and ambition to become future experts in tech and leadership.

Coulette, Director, Digital Technology, North America

Coulette learned about FIRST^® thanks to her son. After seeing his involvement on the team, it wasn't long until she decided to volunteer as a mentor for his team. Through this program, teams of students are challenged to design, build, and program robots to compete for local, regional and global awards, all while they create a team identity, raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and advance respect and appreciation for STEM within their local learning community.

The FIRST Robotics Competition gives high school students and their adult mentors the opportunity to work to create a robot together that solves a common problem based on an annual theme. The 2023 season theme focused on energy and sustainable development.

"I was so excited about what the kids were doing and learning, that I wanted to get involved, as well," Coulette said. "It's been two years now and I don't plan to stop volunteering, despite my son's recent graduation from the team. Most of these kids go on to universities with a STEM focus," she said. "They are our future. They've learned so much through FIRST that it really inspired them to go on and pursue these advanced degrees. This program is a smart pipeline to bring these bright and capable minds into our industry, as well."