We strongly support the idea that every child in today’s world should have a chance to learn more about and embrace science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and have the opportunity to realize a career in any STEM field. That’s why we started the Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab program in 2014.
The Lab, based in our San Diego headquarters, is a combination laboratory, makerspace, and classroom, designed for middle school students. We work closely with their teachers and administrators to give students a chance to learn about STEM careers and to participate in actual engineering projects.
This summer, Thinkabit Lab traveled to Qualcomm China’s Beijing office for the first time. We helped a group of children explore careers they otherwise may not have had exposure to.
A group of students from Dandelion School, which is attended by the children of migrant workers, visited the Beijing office. During their five-hour visit, these students learned from seasoned engineers at Qualcomm China, who volunteered to teach them about what it takes to have a successful career in software and hardware engineering.
Students were given a hands-on opportunity to learn programming and to create their own robotics projects.
Students sharpened their creative skills and came to appreciate the value in teamwork. Some even discovered their new dream jobs.
“My previous dream was to become a basketball player. After joining Thinkabit Lab, I want to become an engineer.”
“I used to dream of becoming a teacher when I grow up. After Thinkabit lab, I am interested in becoming a software engineer.”
Mr. Ma, the physics teacher at Dandelion School, said, “Students really enjoyed and had fun during the Thinkabit Lab.” He hopes Qualcomm will organize Thinkabit Lab activity for more students.
Find out more about the Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab and other STEM-related programs we support.
