TCS collaborates with Stockholm schools

TCS has entered a joint initiative with the Rinkeby Secondary School and the upper secondary Stockholm Science and Innovation School (SSIS). The purpose of the so-called ‘goIT’ program is to boost interest among youth to pursue education in IT, and choose careers in the area. For TCS, the initiative is pro-bono engagement with civic society.

While the demand for IT workers has been on the rise every year for the last decade, the number of students graduating with computer related degrees has not kept pace. To address this trend, TCS created goIT, the student technology awareness program, started in the United States. In 2015, the goIT program is being implemented in Sweden for the first time.

“We hope to inspire youth to see what the world of technology has to offer,” says Amit Bajaj, Head of TCS, North Europe. “Through hands-on training, and with expert mentors, we wish to encourage next-generation IT professionals, and raise interest in STEM education and careers. We see this benefitting Sweden’s competitiveness in the long run, and therefore we are happy to offer our contribution.”

STEM refers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, areas currently suffering from the lack of qualified candidates in the labor market.

The schools are engaging students in teams to tackle programming challenges, with help from TCS mentors. Students will learn the basics of programming using computerized, smart robots. The robots will be programmed, for instance, to move, to avoid objects, to follow lines, and to recognize colors.

“At Rinkeby, we are excited about the project,” says Ulrika Nimstrand, International Coordinator in Entrepreneurship at Rinkeby School. “We see this as an excellent way to prepare students for a future in technology."

The goIT program includes career awareness workshops, technology training and courses for teachers. Students will acquire critical thinking and problem solving skills while solving design challenges in a team learning environment.

“Working with experts increases motivation, opens up perspectives and arouses curiosity,” says Patrick Vestberg, Headmaster of SSIS. “We believe that the initiative will also help students to appreciate the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.”

The goIT program in Sweden runs as a pilot during 2015, with the objective to be incorporated in the schools’ curriculum, with continuous assistance from TCS.