Chelsea Foundation extends STEM education

The new ‘Digital Blue – Career Inspiration’ project was officially launched with a visit to Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem, where Foundation and EVERFI staff met with students and teachers at the school to discuss the importance of STEM subjects on future career paths. The unique and free programme will introduce middle and high school students to exciting careers in technical fields. It uses gamified lessons to encourage and prepare students for a career in STEM.

As part of the course experience, students will virtually hear from our players and staff who will talk about the importance of STEM education and how these topics are part of key careers in the industry. The Chelsea FC Foundation’s Digital Blue – Career Inspiration programme offers students the opportunity to enjoy interactive content designed to reinforce key STEM skills while exploring exciting STEM careers that await.

Crucial skills and knowledge for the future 

During the visit, coaches from the Chelsea Foundation’s international department visited a class of Digital Blue Scholars to get a first-hand experience of the course. Following their time in the classroom, the coaches hosted a skills lesson, teaching the students how STEM is relevant in the field.

Simon Taylor, head of the Chelsea Foundation, said: ‘We are delighted to be expanding our work in Harlem and New York with this exciting STEM-focused project. Since 2013 we have worked with FC Harlem and local schools to develop community initiatives for young people in New York and this programme will allow our education team to support many more children in what is a crucial subject for the future.’

‘Using the power of sport we believe we are uniquely positioned to assist people of all ages and we hope everyone who takes part goes home inspired by what they have learned about science, technology, engineering and maths.’

Foundation head of education Matt Mead said: ‘We are really excited about the expansion of our Digital Blue programme across the Atlantic and aim to follow the successful delivery and impact in London over the past year.

‘Seeing first-hand how our Digital Blue programme has impacted London students, we can’t wait to see how our exciting new programme will teach New York students the critical skill needed for the 21st century.’

Eighty per cent of the fastest-growing careers require skills from one or more STEM fields. The digital programme is designed to spark curiosity in STEM and introduce middle school students to a wide variety of exciting STEM career options.