Costa Rica, the Central American country known for beautiful beaches and lush rainforests, is quickly emerging as a destination for something else: technology skills.
While the Costa Rican government has made developing the technology skills of its citizens a priority, so too have global organizations. In 2023, Kyndryl and United Way launched a volunteering initiative that introduced science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training to students and teachers in Latin America.
The work from that partnership, a part of Kyndryl’s Social Impact efforts, is already paying off, especially for girls like Maria, a Costa Rican student whose participation in a STEM program gave her newfound respect for mathematics. Maria, one of 2,800 students and teachers positively impacted by Kyndryl and United Way’s work to advance STEM, said she now realizes how math connects to her everyday life and the career paths where she can apply it.
Now the two organizations are strengthening the partnership by taking the program beyond Latin America.
Dr. Sonya Anderson, Executive Vice President of United Way’s International Network, said that by partnering with Kyndryl the organization can enhance students’ STEM skills in six countries — Japan, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Costa Rica.
“Sparking early interest in STEM — particularly in elementary and high school — helps young people discover their interests and exposes them to new career opportunities,” she said. “Our partnership with Kyndryl aims to enhance access to quality STEM education and programs to close the opportunity gap among students, especially those from low-income households or underserved communities, so that everyone has the skills to succeed in the future workforce.”
Here, Pam Hacker, Vice President of Social Impact at Kyndryl, and Anderson have a candid conversation about bringing advanced technologies to students, inspiring future innovators and creating lasting impact in diverse regions.
Hacker: We know the skills gap in STEM is a global challenge, often because underserved communities lack resources. How are Kyndryl and United Way bringing technology to underrepresented communities?
Anderson: United Way partners with like-minded organizations that share our commitment to strengthening individuals and communities through education. With support from Kyndryl, United Way can now empower the next generation through STEM learning in six countries. Last year, through our collaborative Aprendamos STEM (Let’s Learn STEM) effort, United Way and Kyndryl employees positively impacted thousands of youths and teachers by helping them to build skills to enter STEM-related industries. When people unite to act, big things are possible.
Hacker: In addition to acting together, our partnership is succeeding because the programs are tailored to local needs and education levels. As we expand the STEM program into more countries, tell us how the program will impact each country.
Anderson: In each one of the countries, the local United Way partners with Kyndryl to implement a project that is culturally responsive and reflects the specific needs, gaps and opportunities of the local context.
With the expansion into Spain, the Tech4All program connects young people to technology tools that help them shape the future. In Mexico City, our Boosting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) program targets students aged 12-16, a critical age for youth who are still developing career aspirations. In Argentina, students are paired with Kyndryl mentors to solve regional and global problems using their creativity, design and critical thinking skills. Costa Rica boasts a four-day event STEAM Rally consisting of multiple STEAM stations that engage and empower students in hands-on learning. And in Japan we’re addressing the gender gap in tech and engineering by partnering with Waffle College to help female and non-binary students develop tech skills.
Reducing barriers to technology and increasing access and exposure to STEM is a critical component of digital equity. Bridging this digital divide is one way that United Way works to reduce school dropout rates in these communities and create new pathways to engage students in tech careers.
In partnership with the United Way, Kyndryl employees regularly volunteer to help foster the next generation of tech talent in Latin America.
Hacker: This work gets at the heart of pressing societal needs. Looking ahead, talk about the importance of growing the STEM talent pool and generating excitement among young people across the globe?
Anderson: The global economy is increasingly reliant on a growing pool of qualified STEM talent to innovate and lead us into the future. Despite this, barriers persist for young people. In Latin America, only 30% of students meet the minimum academic standards required to pursue a STEM career. Similarly, while OECD data show that female students in Japan excel in science and math, a gender gap still exists in tech and engineering employment.
Students in these targeted countries will benefit firsthand from greater access, stronger digital skills and more exposure to experiences that help to overcome barriers to equity. We are grateful for this partnership and the many Kyndryl volunteers who make this impactful work possible.
