NEW YORK, NY and STANFORD, CA, February 8, 2024 The New York Academy of Sciences (The Academy) and Digital Media Academy Corp. (DMA) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and fostering innovation among global youth. This collaboration focuses on scaling and sustaining two groundbreaking initiatives: The New York Academy of Sciences Junior Academy, and DMA’s Global Innovation Race (GIR). More than a combination of resources and expertise, it represents a shared commitment to nurturing a new generation of leaders equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital era. Both organizations serve students on a global level and will focus their efforts on programming in New York and Rwanda.
The benefits of this collaborative effort extend beyond individual programs, fostering supported and facilitated learning continuity for students and contributing significantly to the development of a robust knowledge-based economy in Rwanda and around the world. Taken together, these programs represent programs that connect the education and innovation ecosystems, preparing students to work with their peers around the world and thrive in the dynamic landscape of innovation and technology.
Andre Nudelman, Chairperson of Digital Media Academy, said, “This partnership with the New York Academy of Sciences amplifies our commitment to nurturing a culture of collaboration and innovation. Together, we aim to equip the next generation with the skills and insights needed to excel in a digital and interconnected future.”
Nick Dirks, President and CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences added, “We are excited to collaborate with DMA to enhance the impact of initiatives like GIR and the Junior Academy. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to preparing young minds for the world of work, where good ideas know no boundaries.”
The collaboration is set to take effect immediately and will run until August 2, 2024, with both organizations committed to working together to achieve their shared goals.
About Global Innovation Race
Designed by Stanford Educators, Global Innovation Race (GIR) is an international call to action for students across the globe to design solutions that will shape the future. This transformative program is designed to immerse 13-17-year-olds in the world of AI and emerging tech, exploring their role in driving innovation. Students will engage in solving global challenges while honing their skills in design thinking, social thinking, and entrepreneurial thinking. GIR 2024 is taking place in some of the world’s most innovative cities, Silicon Valley, USA; New York City, USA; and Kigali, Rwanda. Here students will draw inspiration from local tech scenes and diverse cultures while building a global network, forging lifelong friendships, and creating indelible memories. Learn more at www.digitalmediaacademy.org/gir.
About Digital Media Academy
Led by distinguished educators and industry experts, Digital Media Academy (DMA) has pioneered STEAM education since 1999. Originating as the Academy for New Media at Stanford University and officially incorporated in 2002, DMA is preparing the next generation of global leaders to succeed in a digital future through cutting-edge STEAM programs and experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Our programs have been taught in world-renowned institutions such as Stanford, NYU, Georgetown, UCLA, Oxford, and McGill University. To date, we’ve left our mark in over 1,000 schools across 125 countries, introducing 500,000+ students to the world of STEAM. DMA also provides STEAM community, curriculum, consultation, and accreditation to global schools through our Leading STEAM Schools in the World Membership Program. For more information, visit www.digitalmediaacademy.org.
About The New York Academy of Sciences
The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has been committed to advancing science for the benefit of society since 1817. With more than 20,000 Members in 100 countries, the Academy advances scientific and technical knowledge, addresses global challenges with science-based solutions, and sponsors a wide variety of educational initiatives at all levels for STEM and STEM-related fields. The Academy hosts programs and publishes content in the life and physical sciences, the social sciences, nutrition, artificial intelligence, computer science, and sustainability. The Academy also provides professional and educational resources for researchers across all phases of their careers. For more information, visit www.nyas.org.
About The Junior Academy
Launched shortly after the New York City Science and Engineering Fair in 1948, the Junior Academy supports mentored research programs for high school students. For decades, the Academy placed students in labs around the New York region, provided professional development for scientists and teachers to offer high-impact student research programs, and offered a venue for high school scientists to give their first research presentation. In 2016, the Junior Academy found a new home online and now hosts over 2,500 students from over 100 countries who participate in mentored research projects focused on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. On Launchpad, the Academy’s award-winning education collaboration platform, students ages 13-17 join teams, compete in open innovation challenges, find mentors and present their work to a global audience. Thanks to generous support from the Clifford Chance Cornerstone Initiative, as of January 2024, over 1,000 students from Kigali Rwanda have participated in Junior Academy activities locally and online.
Media Contacts:
The New York Academy of Sciences
Michael Cowen
mcowen@nyas.org
Digital Media Academy
Jamie Turner
jamie@digitalmediaacademy.org
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