Lockheed Martin To Open Virtual Learning Program For Its STEM-Focused Schools

US aerospace and airplane manufacturer Lockheed Martin, maker of the F-35 stealth fighter jet, is continuing its support for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in Israel during the coronavirus outbreak by contributing a $100,000 donation to sponsor a virtual learning program for kids that are part of its network of ‘MadaKids’ schools, the company announced Wednesday.

MadaKids is the Lockheed Martin network of STEM schools, which already runs seven educational programs for preschoolers throughout Israel together with the Rashi Foundation, Ministry of Education, Beit-Yatsiv organization, and the Municipalities of Jerusalem, Beersheba and Kiryat Malakhi since 2015. The word Mada means science in Hebrew.

The donation, led by Joshua (Shiki) Shani, CEO of Lockheed Martin Israel, will sponsor a program called “MadaKids-Online” that will ensure that hundreds of MadaKids science students will continue to progress in STEM education in online classes with the help of specially trained instructors.

As part of the contribution, Lockheed Martin will sponsor about 150 tablets, hundreds of teaching hours by the instructors, their training for online classes, and content development. The MadaKids lead team will operate an interactive online activities center that will control and monitor all virtual classes and content. The students will also have access to STEM-related materials on the “MadaKids Online” website. The program also provides some focus on social-emotional aspects combined with specially developed therapy activities.

MadaKids science kindergartens are designed to inspire young Israeli students to take an active interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Lockheed Martin said in a statement. It has a rich curriculum of more than 300 study hours annually.

“Coronavirus forced all of us to stop our routine lives and to re-think how we continue with once obvious daily activities, such as going to school. We need now to focus on creative ways to keep our daily schedules productive, full of interesting content and surly fun,” said Shani,

“Lockheed Martin aims to enhance and promote STEM education programs as the building blocks of young minds, the future generation of our next scientists, doctors, and epidemic researchers. Lockheed Martin will continue its support and commitment to Israel’s young generation, from kindergartens through high-schools to universities,” he added.