Innovative, Hands-On Math And Science Exhibition Sparks Student Interest In Technology Careers

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), in partnership with Higher Colleges of Technology, will host its highly innovative MathAlive! exhibition at HCT’s Ras Al Khaimah Women’s College from Feb.17 to March 2, 2014.

MathAlive! is designed to educate, empower and encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) - essential fields for youth in the United Arab Emirates to consider as they embark on a path toward one day contributing to the nation’s knowledge economy.

“Raytheon has demonstrated a long-standing international commitment to implementing programs that help build knowledge economies by promoting STEM careers in partnership with local educational institutions,” said Matt Riddle, president, Raytheon International Inc. “We are pleased to support the mission of HCT, which is focused on educating the next generation of Emirati scientists, engineers and astronauts in support of the U.A.E.’s education and economic goals.”

“The Higher Colleges of Technology maintains a commitment to excellence in education, and a hallmark of our learning model is a strong focus on successful student learning outcomes in science, technology, engineering and math, educating our students for the 21stcentury. We are, therefore, pleased to be working with the Raytheon Company to present MathAlive! in Ras Al Khaimah, to enhance learning through the practical and innovative use of science and technology,” said Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology.

“Working with the Raytheon Company demonstrates our emphasis on innovation in education, ensuring ourstudents will have the skills of teamwork, adaptability, global awareness, information technology, and analytical thinking so that they make important contributions to the United Arab Emirates.”

Dr. Kamali added that the MathAlive! exhibition will challenge and empower students through the use of technologies, in accordance with HCT’s educational philosophy of Learning by Doing. “It will ultimately provide them with the knowledge, hands-on skills and values to succeed in a changing world,” he said.

“Hosting events like MathAlive! is part of HCT’s commitment to helping U.A.E. build a knowledge economy, vital for our future growth as a nation,” said Dr. Ali Al Mansoori, HCT’s Director of RAK Colleges. “Inspiring elementary and middle school students to pursue math, science, technology and engineering careers today will mean that we’ll never have a shortage of eager, curious, impassioned students at the College.”

At the launch event held Monday, students from local elementary schools were joined by dozens of HCT undergraduates pursuing careers in high tech fields. The significance of having both age groups in attendance was not lost on the event’s keynote speakers.

“Days like today really underscore what we’re hoping to achieve with MathAlive!,” said Dr. Al Mansoori. “One day – sooner than you might think – these kids here today will be the next class of HCT students, and those of you who are students at HCT now will be in exciting high tech jobs. That’s the cycle we’re trying to build with this exhibit.”

MathAlive! enables students to explore STEM principles through 40 interactive features such as video games, sports, robots and music, which also complement the school curriculum. The exhibition is part of Raytheon’s larger MathMovesU® initiative, aimed at creating greater awareness and appreciation of math among young people. The program utilizes a host of platforms, including online resources, scholarships, events and academic sponsorships to encourage students to realize their potential in math and science.

Emirate:  Ras Al Khaimah

Date: Feb 17, 2014

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