Providence Students Apply S.T.E.M. Skills While Building Solar-Electric Go Karts During Interactive Workshop at The Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence

PROVIDENCE, RI – On May 6, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence hosted students from the Vartan Gregorian School, who joined The Center for Dynamic Learning (CDL) and technologists from Fidelity Investments at the South Side Clubhouse for an interactive science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.) project they won’t soon forget.

As part of Fidelity Cares Day, an annual education-focused day of service, more than 50 students teamed up with Fidelity volunteers to apply S.T.E.M. concepts to build five solar-electric go karts. The assembly of the vehicles was overseen by Kevin Cunha, PE, co-founder of CDL, as part of the organization’s Mechatronics program. Upon completion, students tested their creations in slow-speed “races” in the South Side Clubhouse gym.

By combining fun and learning with a focus on S.T.E.M., students were provided the type of hands-on experience to inspire them to pursue careers in the industrial and mechanical fields.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a group of students more excited to learn,” said Nicole Dufresne, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence. “This project is a perfect example of the power of community partnerships, and how by working together we can provide the leaders of tomorrow with experiences that can impact their futures—we are so grateful to Fidelity and the Center for Dynamic Learning for making it possible.”

“To spark Rhode Island’s economic comeback, we must provide students with opportunities to build the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “I want all Rhode Island students to know that if they work hard, they can thrive in science and technology programs and careers. I commend the Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence for offering innovative programs like this to help our kids build skills in critical fields.”

Demonstrating their ongoing commitment to supporting the educational development of local youth, more than 500 Fidelity volunteers have partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence throughout the past year to teach workshops, mentor members, and update the Clubs inside and out.

“On Fidelity Cares Day, more than 2,000 Fidelity associates worked with 50 nonprofit partners and 11 schools in communities across the United States,” said Wendy Lessard, Senior Manager, Community Relations, for Fidelity. “In Rhode Island, more than 150 volunteers participated in volunteer projects. The support provided by Fidelity volunteers during Fidelity Cares Day is consistent with our year-round work to help students and families in our communities, with a focus on education and financial literacy.”

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence is “to enable and inspire children and youth, especially those from diverse or difficult circumstances, to reach their full potential as productive and responsible members of their community.” For 145 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence have provided a safe and positive learning environment for youth in the neighborhoods where they live. For more information, visit www.bgcprov.org.

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity’s goal is to make financial expertise broadly accessible and effective in helping people live the lives they want. With assets under administration of $4.9 trillion, including managed assets of $2.0 trillion as of September 30, 2014, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers: helping 23 million people investing their own life savings, 20,000 businesses to manage their employee benefit programs, as well as providing 10,000 advisors and brokers with technology solutions to invest their own clients’ money. Privately held for nearly 70 years, Fidelity employs 41,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit www.fidelity.com.

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