On June 15, global technology distributor and solutions provider Avnet, Inc. announced its partnership with the SciTech Institute, an organization focused on enhancing and promoting the value and importance of STEM education. The partnership will help expand the scope of SciTech’s Chief Science Officers program to new locations in the U.S. and internationally, Avnet said.

The Arizona-based CSO program’s mission is to inspire 6th through 12th-grade students to become ambassadors for STEM in their schools and community. The CSO program encourages students to pursue a career in science and technology, and the partnership with Avnet showcases the intersection between industry and STEM education. 

Over seven years, the CSO program has expanded into 12 states, along with international chapters in Kenya, Kuwait and Mexico. The program currently consists of about 1,000 students – 600 in the U.S. and 400 internationally. Avnet is investing in the CSO program to support expansion in four Avnet hubs over the next two years, in areas in or near Chicago; Gaffney, South Carolina; Leeds, United Kingdom, and Guadalajara, Mexico.

“Avnet is sponsoring SciTech’s Chief Science Officers program because we share a common goal: to build productive career paths for young adults within the STEM field,” said Phil Gallagher, Avnet CEO. “By expanding this exciting program into more regions we’re not only helping more students develop their skills, we’re also engaging our employees as mentors, speakers and examples of success in the high tech industry. That experience can serve as a guide in years to come—both for the students and our own employees.”