Newark, NJ—To inspire student innovation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Panasonic Corporation of North America is partnering with 15-time World Champion, 10-time Olympic medal-winning swimmer and STEM advocate Katie Ledecky. They will launch the STEM Forward educational initiative with Discovery Education.
Announced during CES 2022, the initiative combines Katie Ledecky’s passion for STEM education and advocacy; Panasonic’s legacy of innovation; and Discovery Education’s worldwide leadership in education technology. STEM Forward connects students in grades 3–8 to the game-changing power of technology with standards-aligned resources for any learning environment. Moreover, it does so at no cost.
“As champions for progress at Panasonic, we’re focused on how we can move the world forward and commit ourselves to enhancing the well-being of people, communities and society. Today’s students have a tremendous future ahead of them; one where technology is not only a tool but an inspiration,” said Megan Myungwon Lee, chairwoman and CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America.
“We’re proud to continue to partner with Katie Ledecky, who is an inspiration to young people around the world and empowers students to reach their full potential and discover new ways to think about and apply STEM to build a better world.”
STEM Forward
STEM Forward builds on Ledecky’s ongoing work with Panasonic as a STEM leader and a member of Team Panasonic. The program provides students, educators, as well as families with digital resources that explore how technology improves lives. In addition, STEM Forward includes a special virtual field trip appropriate for both in-class use and at-home exploration.
Winning with STEM: A Virtual Field Trip with Katie Ledecky and Panasonic premieres on January 25, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. ET. It will take students behind-the-scenes at five STEM innovation centers across North America. They will meet teams of Panasonic scientists, engineers as well as immersive design experts using their passion for STEM to make a difference in the world. 
Furthermore, an educator guide accompanies the Virtual Field Trip. It also features student activities to take the learning further. In addition, new activities will launch in February. They will include a subject matter expert video with Katie Ledecky, student activities, educator supports, as well as family activities.
“Any opportunity I have in life to inspire young kids to pursue their passions, especially in STEM education, I’m going to take it,” said Katie Ledecky. “Whether students use STEM skills for better problem-solving or critical thinking in life, or for a future career, it’s important that they have equal access to help propel them forward.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Panasonic to help inspire the next wave of innovative thinkers,” added Lori McFarling, president of Social Impact at Discovery Education.
Learn more about STEM Forward at DiscoveryEducation.com/STEMForward.
Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a worldwide EdTech provider whose digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. It connects educators to a collection of standards-aligned content; ready-to-use digital lessons; intuitive quiz and activity creation tools; as well as professional learning resources.
Through multimedia content, instructional supports and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education also helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences. It seeks to engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale.
In addition, Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide. The organization makes its resources accessible in more than 140 countries and territories.
