Radio Disney AM1480 & EMC Bring Learning to Life for Kids

How can you get a room full of 100 middle school students hooked on science and technology in just one afternoon? Bring in the professionals-- EMC and Radio Disney AM1480. Over the last several months, leading information technology company EMC and Radio Disney AM1480, the top radio network devoted to kids, teamed up to bring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to life for Citizen Schools students and their peers from coast to coast.

In November, 2012 the Radio Disney AM1480 DJs began their Citizen Schools tour just outside of Boston at the Orchard Gardens K-8 School for a STEM Challenge event, sponsored by Citizen Schools' partner EMC. 100 6th and 7th grade students participated in the event, which was designed to get students excited about pursuing STEM careers in the future. Over the next several months, Radio Disney AM1480 headed down south to North Carolina where they visited another partner school in Charlotte and then traveled across the country to visit six Citizen Schools sites in California.

All of the events were a huge success. Students jumped out of their seats, cheering on their classmates in a science trivia game and math competition. After what seemed like a purely fun event, students left understanding STEM concepts such as covalent bonds, computer processing units, and geo-construction. They were excited about science and technology and even imagining what their future STEM careers could be like. Here’s what a few of them had to say...

“Talking about STEM today got me more excited about being an engineer when I grow up”- Juan, 6th grade student

“I was inspired to get out and explore”- Marzjon, 6th grade student

“I changed what I want to be when I grow up to something in technology!”- Melissa, 6th grade student

These moments of inspiration wouldn't be possible without the partnership and investment from EMC—which supports Citizen Schools in bringing STEM learning to life for middle school students from low-income areas. In partnership with Radio Disney AM1480, EMC is dedicated to building future engineers, scientists, computer programmers and more.