Technology drives innovation and economic growth and access to quality STEM education has become crucial for students’ future success. GenTech, an Arizona-based community tech hub, is taking significant strides to address this need in schools across the state.

Founded by longtime educator Debbie Kovesdy, GenTech aims to transform lives by providing access to high-quality, real-world tech education. To make these programs more accessible to all students, GenTech recently launched the GenTech Foundation, a nonprofit whose work aligns with a growing need in Arizona’s economy.

According to the Arizona Technology Council Industry Impact Report, the state’s technology sector is growing at a rate 40% faster than the national average. However, many companies report difficulties in finding qualified local talent to fill these positions. The organization’s mission extends beyond simply teaching STEM subjects; it focuses on empowering students and aims to break cycles of school funding challenges to build sustainable STEM programs.

“Our goal is to implement STEM programs in schools that will last long term while also adapting to today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape,” Kovesdy said. “This sustainable approach to teaching STEM will provide opportunities for kids to learn and explore STEM careers, ultimately preparing the next generation of technology leaders for success.”

For students in underserved communities, gaining STEM skills can be a pathway to high-paying, stable careers. For Arizona’s economy, nurturing local talent can help sustain and accelerate growth in the tech sector.

GenTech’s approach involves deploying trained STEM teachers to schools and community centers to lessen the burden on teachers. These educators, often referred to as GenTechs, are technology-proficient college students or industry experts in fields such as engineering, programming, information technology, cybersecurity, and computer science.

Michael Wilson, chief operating officer at GenTech, emphasized the importance of this approach. “By bringing in enthusiastic GenTech educators who are experts in these fields, we’re not just teaching skills – we’re providing relatable role models who can inspire our students to pursue STEM careers,” said Wilson.

In addition to the technology-proficient instructors, GenTech also supplies advanced technology for classroom use that can be rotated among schools and classrooms for maximum value.

The impact of GenTech’s work is already evident. To date, the organization has reached tens of thousands of students across Arizona, equipping them with skills that are increasingly in demand in today’s job market.

“I had never coded before; I like it, it’s really fun,” said Ben, a GenTech STEM student. “In the future you never know what jobs might use coding. Even if you just want to make your own  game, you’ll need to use coding.”

GenTech’s programs go beyond traditional classroom learning. They incorporate real-world applications, hands-on projects, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students understand how their skills can be applied in future careers. Curriculum topics include computer programming, machine learning, quantum computing, automation, robotics, data science, cybersecurity, and more.

As part of its launch, the foundation partnered with the City of Phoenix District 7 office earlier this year to provide $10,000 in funding to the Murphy School District, which will bring GenTech’s STEM program to Kuban Elementary.

“Partnering with GenTech Foundation allows local communities or organizations to invest in their future workforce while also making a positive impact in their communities,” Dalton Abbitt, chief political officer and president of the GenTech Foundation explained. “It’s a win-win situation that benefits students, businesses, and the overall economy of Arizona.”

The benefits for companies partnering with GenTech Foundation extend beyond corporate social responsibility. By supporting STEM education in underserved communities, businesses can:

• Expand and diversify their talent pipeline: By nurturing STEM skills in underrepresented communities, companies can access a broader pool of talented individuals for future hiring needs.

• Enhance brand reputation: Supporting educational initiatives demonstrates a company’s commitment to community development and social responsibility.

• Receive tax benefits: As GenTech Foundation is a nonprofit organization, financial contributions may be tax-deductible.

As GenTech Foundation continues to grow, its leaders remain focused on their core mission of transforming lives through technology education. “Every student we reach is a potential future innovator, entrepreneur or tech leader,” said Abbitt. “By providing them with the skills and confidence to pursue STEM careers, we’re not just changing individual lives – we’re helping to shape the future of Arizona’s economy.”

The work of the GenTech Foundation highlights a crucial truth: in today’s digital age, access to quality STEM education is not just an educational issue, but an economic and social one. By bridging the STEM gap in underserved communities, the foundation is working to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all Arizonans.

“Every contribution, whether it’s time, expertise, or resources, helps us reach more students and make a bigger impact,” said Abbitt.

As the demand for tech skills continues to grow, the role of organizations like the GenTech Foundation becomes increasingly vital. Through its efforts, more students from diverse backgrounds are gaining the opportunity to participate in and shape the technology-driven future.

For more information on how to partner with the GenTech Foundation to bring STEM education to schools, email Dalton Abbitt at [email protected]. For more information on the programs, visit gentechfoundation.com.