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TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy Brings Together Students and Teachers from Japan and the United States
Toshiba Corporation
U.S.-Japan Council, TOMODACHI Initiative
Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502, Toshiba) and the TOMODACHI Initiative (TOMODACHI), a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, announced that the TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy will take place from July 31 to August 7, 2016. The objective of this academy is to invest in the next generation of leaders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). This program will bring together 16 high school students and ten teachers from Japan and the United States and divide them into four groups, where they will learn about cutting-edge science technology and work together to develop a disaster-resilient smart community of the future.
This program is implemented by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and provides opportunities to develop solutions for global issues while strengthening U.S.-Japan relations by fostering the next generation of young leaders from both countries and learn scientific thinking. Until last year, 33 high school students and 22 teachers had participated in this program.
The participants will learn from past disasters such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and Hurricane Sandy, attend lectures by Toshiba engineers, tour Toshiba’s Smart Community Center in Kawasaki and TOKYO SKYTREE, the world’s highest free-standing broadcasting tower, and learn about leading-edge science technology. In addition, they will design a small-scale elevator, create a disaster prevention/evacuation map using a drone, and use technology to address some of the world's most complex issues.
Participants of this program were selected through the “ExploraVision Awards”, a science competition sponsored by Toshiba in the United States. Their Japanese counterparts were selected from high schools who promote strong achievements in science and mathematics education and international student exchanges.
Toshiba is a strategic partner of TOMODACHI, and this academy was created in July 2013 as a part of Toshiba’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. By 2016 over a four year period,Toshiba has been contributing one million dollars to this academy as a commitment toward investing in youth in the field of science and technology, as well as U.S.-Japan relations. The activities from this program will be featured on the Toshiba website after program completion.
About the TOMODACHI Initiative
The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. We seek to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world. For more information please visit: www.tomodachi.org
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
About Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision
Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision is a science competition that goes beyond the typical student science competition and into what it takes to bring ideas to reality. A teacher will sponsor and lead his/her students as they work in groups of 2 – 4 to simulate real research and development. A teacher will guide his or her students as they pick a current technology, research it, envision what it might look like in 20 years, and describe the development steps, pros & cons, and obstacles. Past winners have envisioned technologies ranging from a hand-held food allergen detector to a new device to help people who have lost limbs regain movement in real time.