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EPAM Systems Inc., also known as EPAM, is an international company headquartered in the US. EPAM focuses on software product development and business solutions.[1]
EPAM was showcased at the 2016 Scratch Conference,[2] and in the Scratch Foundations blog.[3][4]
EPAM E-Kids Program
EPAM runs a program called e-kids. The program lasts for 10 weeks. E-kids teaches coding to children through Scratch, HopScotch, and Python. The goal of the program is to teach technological skills to children in order to prepare them for a future where most jobs require technological skills.[5]
The program is offered in over 20 countries, including China, Russia, US, and Ukraine.[3]
Motivation
One of the motivations of the e-kids program is to make education more inclusive. This includes closing the gender gap, as stated by EPAM.[3] This goal of inclusiveness is partly inspired by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which is promoting inclusive and equitable education for all. This is one of the goals of the UNGA 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.[6]
Another motivation for the e-kids program is that STEM education is a core value of EPAM.[3]
Creation
Scratch was chosen because according to EPAM director Askana Siaheyeva, "Scratch is accessible, user-friendly, and most of it is available in over 40 different languages".[3] EPAM values Scratch's language support because it allows instruction to be catered to each country.[3]
In October 2015, the e-kids program debuted in Kyiv, Ukraine.[6]
Impact
Kids who participated in the EPAM program showed engagement and excitement when coding.[4][6] Participants also became more confident with coding, and learned the idea that they can program computers and not just use them.[4]
External Links
References
- ↑ https://www.epam.com/about
- ↑ users:st19_galla/#comments-26999811
- ↑ a b c d e f https://medium.com/scratchfoundation-blog/engaging-a-future-generation-of-coders-4004046e2881#.wyqds0mqw
- ↑ a b c https://medium.com/scratchfoundation-blog/gaining-confidence-through-scratch-94d1901c1216#.8u3kfslxz
- ↑ https://www.epam.com/about/company/social-responsibility/education
- ↑ a b c http://itcluster.lviv.ua/en/epam-e-kids-program-affordable-education-kids/
