19 JUNE 2024
The skills people will need in the future are rapidly changing, especially in science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. In FY24, our Hermosa operation in Santa Cruz County, Arizona continued to support educational programs and initiatives that encourage school students in the region to explore the fields of STEM. The aim is to develop students’ skills in these areas and prepare them for jobs that will be needed in a low-carbon economy.
In FY24, for the seventh consecutive year, we sponsored the Annual Santa Cruz County TECHNOLOchicas LiFt Conference. TECHNOLOchicas LiFT is a not-for-profit organisation designed to raise awareness among young Latino girls about the opportunities and careers in technology related fields. At the conference, 120 young female Latina students had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in coding, robotics, and computer programming. The middle school students heard from professional women working in STEM related fields, including employees from South32, who shared their experiences and career pathways. During the school year, the young students participated in a weekly after-school program, funded by Hermosa, to further develop their skills and knowledge in STEM disciplines. Furthermore, 134 elementary school students in the region participated in the after-school program.
We also supported the Higher Orbits program, a two-day conference open to all Santa Cruz County high school students. At the conference, students explored space exploration, heard from STEM professionals, including NASA astronauts, and gained hands-on experience by working on a project that could be launched into space.
An aim for the Hermosa project is for social investment to make a lasting contribution to nearby communities that can improve people's lives now and for generations to come.
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