Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content
Home
    • Contact Panasonic
    • Save Page
    • Home
    • Trends
    • Social Impact
    • Developing future STEM stars at Camp Skyhook
    Back to Resource Center

    Developing future STEM stars at Camp Skyhook

    • Contact us
      • Twitter
      • Facebook
      • Linkedin
      • Email

    Developing future STEM stars at Camp Skyhook

    6 minutes

    STEM education that’s nothing but net

    In today’s interconnected world, could you survive being in a forest, miles away from home with no cellular reception for an entire week? Through a recent investment made by the Panasonic Foundation, fourth and fifth graders – or Gen-Zers, true mobile mavens – are doing just that and gaining what is sure to be a transformative and memorable experience.

    At Panasonic, our innovations are rooted in data. In factories, we're using data to improve supply chain management. On roads, we're deploying connected vehicle data ecosystems to help reduce traffic accidents. And in communities across the country, data informs and drives our philanthropic investments.

    We know that STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) jobs will represent more than 80% of future U.S. jobs, but only 16% of undergraduates pursue these degrees. Globally, the U.S. is ranked 25th in math and 17th in science. We don’t need advanced computational skills to know these are issues that need addressing.

    In response to the growing demand for STEM literacy, the Panasonic Foundation has formed exciting new partnerships with organizations that also recognize the need for action. Recently, the Panasonic Foundation made a $100,000 investment in Camp Skyhook, an immersive, outdoor learning experience in the Angeles National Forest that aims to initiate and encourage children’s interest in STEM. Working in collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the camp exposes kids in underserved communities to science, nature and – more than anything – the opportunity to pursue new dreams.

    Preparing grade-school students for next-level jobs

    As a long-time advocate for children, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar founded the Skyhook Foundation with the goal of bringing educational opportunities to students in underserved communities. By investing in Camp Skyhook, we’re providing fourth- and fifth-grade students with access to an innovative science curriculum that was developed in partnership with UCLA and NASA to help students build skills and gain knowledge for the global workforce.

    We help kids soar above and beyond the four walls of the class room by providing an engaging STEM-based educational experience in the great outdoors, preparing students to be successful in the 21st century.
    Camp Skyhook mission statement

    Out of the 20 fastest growing occupations, 15 require serious mathematics or science preparation.

    Introducing students to the exciting concepts behind STEM education at a young age is critical. Research indicates that 92% of boys and 97% of girls will lose interest in STEM topics if they are not engaged by the 5th grade. By providing students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in STEM early in life, they will attain a competitive advantage in the 21st-century job market.

    STEM equity and inclusion

    As part of Camp Skyhook’s mission, students from socioeconomically, racially and culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to imagine a future for themselves in STEM as they participate in a week-long, multi-sensory experience in nature. According to research, children who attend programs such as Camp Skyhook have a stronger chance of pursuing degrees in STEM fields.

    These programs are in high demand, which makes it difficult for many students to gain access. As important as the curriculum is, it will have the biggest impact by reaching as many children as possible. This investment by the Panasonic Foundation helps cut down Camp Skyhook’s current six-year waiting list.

    Camp Skyhook Fun Facts

    • A longitudinal study on the impact of Camp Skyhook through 2023 found a 60% increase in content knowledge from sample questions.
    • The same study saw a 30% increase in girls interested in STEM.
    • 15,080 students have graduated from Camp Skyhook.
    • Camp Skyhook has a 95% graduation rate.
    • 80% of Camp Skyhook students have learned English as a second language.

    Together, we can increase opportunities for students to experience and explore career pathways in STEM fields. At Panasonic, we’re committed to investing in programs that help prepare students for success in the global 21st century. For more information on how Panasonic is providing opportunities for students across the world, visit our webpage on Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. To learn more about the success and future of Camp Skyhook, visit their site.

    Authors
    Alejandra Ceja
    Director, Office of Corporate Social Responsibility for Panasonic North America and Executive Director of the Panasonic Foundation
    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
    Basketball legend and Chairman of the Skyhook Foundation

    Related Posts

    Lex Gillette prepares to transition from the run-up to the take-off of his long jump
    Social Impact

    Lex Gillette and Panasonic’s seven principles

    How the four-time Paralympic Silver Medalist and World Champion in the long jump embodies and shares our core values
    Learn more
    a woman pays with her mobile phone at a cafe
    Recent Research

    How the food service and food retail industries have responded to Covid-19

    Learn how shifting customer preferences have changed business' approach to adopting transformative technologies.
    Learn more
    a woman puts a mask on her child
    Innovations

    In the age of Covid, indoor air quality reaches a tipping point

    Discover how cutting-edge air filtration technology may help in the fight against Covid.
    Learn more
    factory equipment
    Integrated Supply Chain

    Three reasons to invest in automation technology

    Understanding the benefits of automation technology will help businesses initiate key conversations around investment and implementation.
    Learn more
    cognitive infotainment
    Innovations

    Finding solutions in unexpected places

    A look at how collaboration drives innovation - and what it means for the auto industry.
    Learn more
    Socially distanced groups stand amidst an immersive Van Gogh experience
    Immersive Experiences

    The immersive experience must go on

    How Covid-19 has impacted the event industry - and what opportunities lay ahead

    5 minutes

    Learn more
    rooftop solar panels
    Sustainable Energy

    Latinos are shaping the future of sustainable energy

    Meet some of the Latino employees whose passion for sustainability are helping to power a greener future.
    Learn more
    Exterior of the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs
    Immersive Experiences

    The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum: A triumph of tech and inclusiveness

    Discover how Panasonic is bringing the Olympic spirit to life through immersive technology and personalized storytelling at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.

    4 minutes

    Learn more
    a woman looks out an airplane window
    Connected World

    Meet the women shaping the way we experience flight

    Women have led major leaps in aviation, from the earliest stages of lighter-than-air flight to the latest interstellar explorations. Meet a few of our high-flying women, who are changing the way thousands of passengers experience flight every day.

    3 minutes

    Learn more
    family spending time in their living room
    Sustainable Energy

    Good health starts at home

    With North Americans today spending more time inside their homes than ever before, many are taking a second look at their home's health and indoor air quality.

    6 minutes

    Learn more
    woman wearing a mask purchases food using contactless payments
    Integrated Supply Chain

    Food service and the “new normal”

    Discover how food service and food retail businesses are adjusting for customer expectations in a post-coronavirus world.

    5 minutes

    Learn more
    Social Impact

    When the going gets tough, they do good

    Shining a light on Panasonic employees who are helping their communities during the pandemic.

    3 minutes

    Learn more
    Back to Trends

    Contact Sales

    Are you looking for more information related to a Panasonic professional product or solution? We have an expert team ready to help. Please fill in the form and a Panasonic Sales representative will contact you shortly.

     

    * Indicates a required field

    General Information

    Customer Information

    By submitting this form, you confirm you’ve read and agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from us, you can opt-out of all marketing communications or customize your preferences here.

            YES! PLEASE SIGN ME UP FOR NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EXPERT ANALYSIS OF INDUSTRY TRENDS FROM PANASONIC
            I agree to the Panasonic Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
     

    Thank you for your interest in Panasonic consumer products. In order to accommodate your request, you will be directed to our consumer products website.

    Thank you for your interest in Panasonic products. In order to accommodate your request, please click here, or click the submit button below to navigate to our Canadian site.

    Contact Support

    Are you looking for more support assistance related to a Panasonic professional product or solution? We have an expert team ready to help. Please fill in the form and a Panasonic Sales representative will contact you shortly.

     

    * Indicates a required field

    General Information

    Customer Information

    Industry

    By submitting this form, you confirm you’ve read and agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from us, you can opt-out of all marketing communications or customize your preferences here.

            YES! PLEASE SIGN ME UP FOR NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EXPERT ANALYSIS OF INDUSTRY TRENDS FROM PANASONIC
            I agree to the Panasonic Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
     

    Thank you for your interest in Panasonic consumer products. In order to accommodate your request, you will be directed to our consumer products website.

    Thank you for your interest in Panasonic products. In order to accommodate your request, please click here, or click the submit button below to navigate to our Canadian site.

    • About Us
    • News
    • Careers
    • Investor Relations
    • Social Impact
    • Contact Us
    • Do Not Sell My Data

    Get the Latest on Panasonic Trends

    * Indicates a required field

    Connect with us

    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Linkedin
    • Instagram Link
    • Youtube

    Select Country/Language

    • United States - English
    • Canada - English
    • Canada - Français
    © 2021 Panasonic Corporation of North America. All Rights Reserved.
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms
    • Panasonic Global
    • Consumer
    • Industrial
    Reviewed by Accessible 360
    Reviewed by Accessible 360