A successful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership of business and a science-oriented nonprofit is attracting young people of potential to become interested in STEM careers. And perhaps to later join their company.
UGI is a strong supporter of the Franklin Institute’s STEM Scholars Program.
UGI, through its affiliation with the Satell Institute, was made aware of the STEM Scholars, an innovative program developed by leading educators at the Franklin Institute, the world’s leading science museum.
STEM Scholars is a 4-year program that immerses academically talented students from disadvantaged social and educational backgrounds into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The program was created to identify high potential young people who have the skill sets and native ability, and give them the STEM education edge through high school.
The goals of the program include increasing college enrollment in STEM disciplines, graduation rates and entry into the workforce post-graduation. These goals resonate with UGI. One of the corporation’s charitable giving areas is early childhood literacy, career awareness and STEM-related programs.
It’s a huge point of pride that almost all the high-potential STEM students have been accepted to well-regarded universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel, Princeton, Carnegie Mellon, Swarthmore, NYU, University of Pittsburgh and others.
STEM is in a student’s self-interest. And in UGI’s self-interest.
“We are proud to partner with the Franklin Institute’s STEM Scholars Program,” says John Walsh, CEO of UGI Corporation. “Supporting this program is providing Philadelphia-area students an opportunity to experience a day-in-the-life of our engineers. It also gives us an opportunity to engage with the students, provide mentorship and build the pipeline of future talent for our company and our community.”
“We are grateful to the Satell Institution for helping bring this valuable partnership to our attention and providing guidance,” adds John.
UGI employees love this program and the future potential leadership that comes with it.
Karen DeLise, Manager, Leadership & Organizational Development at the UGI Corporation says “STEM Scholars need many of the business, life and customer service orientation skills that come natural to corporate employees. They are largely absent in the Scholars’ life experience. Our employees are excited to use their time and expertise to help the students overcome these gaps and prepare them for life success.”
We are very excited to be developing the future talent we and others need.
“A corporate-nonprofit partnership that is successful is one that meets the needs of both entities as well as their community,” says Karen. “Partnerships that work together on key initiatives such as educating more future scientists and engineers is important. It is also important to give employees in our company an opportunity to give back to the community and get them engaged. This is very exciting and rewarding for UGI.”
“Without this program, I would not be the first member of my family to get a high school diploma,
and I am the first member of my family to go to college, and I have a five-year scholarship
to Drexel University for engineering. Thank you all—you changed my life.”
Korah L. 2014 Cohort, also named “Young Woman in Science Future Leader 2015”
Check out the Satell Institute’s microdocumentary on the innovative STEM SCHOLARS Program
