NEC Partners with NSHOF, FC Dallas and Frisco ISD to introduce the STEAM FC Experience for Middle School Students

I was pleased to attend the recent launch of STEAM FC presented by NEC, an innovative educational program developed in partnership with Frisco Independent School District (FISD), the National Soccer Hall of Fame (NSHOF) and FC Dallas at their headquarters in Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. This program’s name and its focus is all about introducing FISD sixth graders – in its first phase – to the many ways Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) can be applied using professional soccer and stadium management as its core.

In addition to my duties with NEC Corporation of America, I’m also the head of the NEC Foundation, which is focused on delivering social value in the communities where our employees live and work – one of these values being Education. Frisco ISD, developed the curriculum to creatively connect science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to the business world in ways most kids don’t see these disciplines today.

STEAM FC is truly an innovative learning initiative. Participating students experience classroom problem-solving and brainstorming sessions, tour the National Soccer Hall of Fame (NSHOF) — with its gesture technology, virtual reality and cutting-edge facial recognition technology from NEC. They get active in the Movement Lab, learning how athletes use science to reach peak performance. Components of the Toyota Stadium Tour also will include learning how marketing works, how the electrical system works, how the grass on the soccer field grows and is maintained; essentially, STEAM FC curriculum incorporates the business and the combined STEAM skills involved in running a pro soccer team at this specialized venue.

At NEC, we believe in giving all kids, but especially girls and economically disadvantaged children, unique access to STEAM initiatives in the hope it sparks inspiration and passion and the possibility that more of these underrepresented groups will enter STEAM professions. Diversifying the talent pool for STEAM jobs can only improve our worldwide competitiveness.

For more details about STEAM FC field trips, you can visit the FC Dallas STEAMFC web page.

Congratulations to Irving’s New Chief of Police

NEC has been a part of the Irving community for over 30 years, and in that time we have seen many positive changes and been a part of the city’s growth and development. We also have a long standing relationship with the Irving Police Department and its former police chief, Larry Boyd, who retired last year. We are thankful for his leadership of the department for the last 12 years and his contributions to the community. It was a pleasure working with him and we wish him well in this new chapter of life.

Irving new police chief Accompanying former Chief Boyd on many of his visits to NECAM was Assistant Police Chief Jeff Spivey. Like Chief Boyd, Chief Spivey has a dedication to his profession and to the people of Irving that is admirable. He is also a strong supporter of the Irving Advocacy Center, awarded a grant from the NEC Foundation last year.

We are pleased that after conducting an extensive search, Irving City Manager Chris Hillman recommended Chief Jeff Spivey as the new Irving Chief of Police. He was confirmed March 23, 2017 by the Irving City Council. Join me in congratulating Irving’s new Chief of Police! We look forward to many more years of collaboration in serving the local community.

*Photo Credit – City of Irving Police Department