The Boston Celtics and GE Foundation are joining forces to launch a new “Brilliant Career Play” mobile STEM Lab focused on enhancing access to STEM experiences and training for Massachusetts public middle school students of diverse backgrounds. The overall goal is to get them more familiar with the field, allowing them to be better prepared for innovative jobs in the future.
The mobile lab, which is scheduled to travel to nine different middle schools throughout the state, was launched Tuesday with the help of Celtics player Aron Baynes. It features tools the students need to become more familiar with STEM careers. Some of what the students can learn is what it’s like to be a software game developer, how to use tools like 3D printing machines, how to use sensors in clothing or on small devices to track personal health data, what it’s like to design virtual surgery equipment, and what it’s like to operate laser and vinyl cutters.
“We’re incredibly proud to team up with GE Foundation to develop such an advanced mobile laboratory that will greatly impact many middle school students throughout the Boston area,” Celtics president Rich Gotham said in a statement. “We’ve partnered with GE to make sure we’re as technologically advanced as we can be on the basketball court, and hope initiatives like this can help inspire the next generation of innovators.”
GE not only has its logo on the Celtics’ game jersey patch this season, but also has partnered with the team on providing data and analytics along with medical equipment.
“GE Foundation is shaping the diverse workforce of tomorrow by bringing innovative learning to STEM education today,” Ann R. Klee, president, GE Foundation and vice president, Boston Development and Operations for GE, said in a statement. “Along with our Brilliant Career Lab for high schools, the Brilliant Career Play will reach more schools and more students through both interactive STEM exercises and mentoring. We are proud to partner with the Boston Celtics as an ally in this mission.”
