Pharrell Williams is using his brand power to make a difference in the lives of teens. His nonprofit organization From One Hand to AnOTHER has partnered with EverFi, Inc., a company that specializes in critical skills education, to provide digital learning opportunities to students attending the Summer of Innovation Camp coordinated by From One Hand to AnOTHER in Virginia Beach, VA.
The initiative is designed to spark over 500 students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math. Students will learn how to live and succeed in the modern digital world filled with smartphones, computers, Internet, online identity risks, and cyberbullying. The curriculum focuses on building digital skills, such as creating a blog and maintaining a responsible social networking profile, while also helping students understand the technology skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.
“Children are filled with so much possibility and potential, but it’s critical that we surround them with opportunities to learn, to be creative, and to have access to passionate teachers and mentors,” said Williams. “If we’re going to develop a prepared workforce and the future leaders of America, we need to make these kinds of critical learning opportunities possible even during the summer months.”
To help announce the new initiative, Williams headlined a kickoff event at his alma mater, Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach on Saturday, June 7. More than 800 students, administrators, and community members attended the event including Virginia delegate Ron Villanueva and Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, who presented Pharrell Williams with a key to the city. Representatives from the office of Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe also announced an official proclamation naming June 7 as Pharrell Williams Day across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to be working together with one of the world’s great creative forces and education advocates,” said Tom Davidson, EverFi chief executive officer. “This partnership is exactly the kind we need to elevate the importance of STEM education and mentorship.”
