The Loudoun Education Foundation arranged for a transformative STEM learning experience at Loudoun County Public Schools, made possible by grants contributed by, and in partnership with, the Equinix Foundation. Learning Undefeated, an experiential learning non-profit, set up their innovative mobile STEM labs outside of River Bend Middle School for the week, offering immersive, hands-on STEM “field trips” that engage students and spark their curiosity about the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Loudoun Education Foundation and Equinix for providing us the opportunity to bring the Mobile STEM Lab to River Bend Middle School,” said Principal David Shaffer. “This was an incredible experience for our students, allowing them to engage in real-world learning with topics such as Artificial Intelligence, coding, data analysis, and other STEM-related areas. Opportunities like this help inspire our students to explore future careers in technology and innovation.”
Students explored topics including artificial intelligence (AI), the secret of electricity with Ohm’s Law, and the Mystery of the Crooked Cell – a look at the science behind diseases. This incredible experience also gave students the opportunity to learn alongside volunteers and tech professionals, who shared their passion for the industry in hopes of inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
“Today, we are helping launch the next generation of innovators by giving them a peek into the types of real-world challenges that technologists and data scientists are solving every day,” said Brian Gaines, Learning Undefeated CEO. “Hands-on learning empowers students to internalize the confidence needed to succeed in the high-tech jobs of tomorrow. Learning Undefeated is grateful for this collaboration that has allowed us to bring the country’s largest mobile STEM lab for education to Loudon County students,” he continued.
This initiative is part of the Equinix Foundation’s mission to bridge digital divides and ensure every student has access to STEM education and learning opportunities. By bringing mobile STEM labs directly to schools, Equinix is hoping to inspire young minds with the ability to explore interests and new career paths in unique and empowering ways. With the support of Equinix and Learning Undefeated, students will experience firsthand how technology is shaping the future, and how they can be a part of it.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with the Loudoun Education Foundation and Learning Undefeated to bring this unique educational experience to students in the Loudoun County community,” said Paige Rodgers, Director, Equinix Foundation. “At the Equinix Foundation, we believe that equitable access to STEM education is an essential building block to bridging the digital divide and empowering young people to see themselves in the tech field, as innovators, creators and problem-solvers. By investing back into our communities through programs like this and leveraging the passion and expertise of Equinix employee volunteers, we hope to inspire more students to pursue careers in tech and become future leaders,” Rodgers added.
About the Loudoun Education Foundation
The Loudoun Education Foundation is committed to fostering educational excellence by supporting innovative programs and partnerships that expand learning opportunities for students across our district. Our focus is on creating and supporting programs that improve the quality of public education in Loudoun County. Together, we fund programs that boost student performance and provide teachers with the necessary tools to be impactful in their classrooms.
About the Equinix Foundation
The Equinix Foundation aims to help ensure a more accessible, equitable and interconnected digital future for everyone, everywhere. The Foundation harnesses the passion of Equinix employees locally and globally by engaging them in every area of the organization’s mission, to bridge digital divides around the world. It also aims to deepen engagement within the communities where Equinix operates through grant funding, employee volunteering and other community outreach activities.
About Learning Undefeated
Learning Undefeated is a non-profit organization driving race and gender equity in STEM through experiential and deep-impact learning experiences for students from under-resourced communities. Through innovative and experiential education programs for grades K-12, they are sparking interest in STEM careers, building the workforce that will drive the innovation economy, and bridging school, community, health and business.
