New Jersey-headquartered Samsung, the electronics manufacturer, announced that it has taken part in the development of a new STEM curriculum at the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, which was unveiled on April 12. The club is designed to provide a safe location for kids after school where they can learn about science, technology, engineering and math. 

Samsung played a role in transforming the Lachman Family STEM Center into a high-tech venue where kids can learn about everything from programming to Digital Age career options. The center itself is outfitted with Samsung 65-inch televisions, Samsung Level On headsets and Samsung Galaxy tablets. Middle school-aged children are the target audience for the STEM Center.

"The disparity in access to STEM education is a critical issue that needs to be addressed in our community," said Kavita Mehra, interim chief executive officer at Boys & Girls Club of Newark. "Thanks to Samsung's investment in the Club and the community, Boys & Girls Club of Newark will be able to provide nearly 1,000 members with the best opportunities in STEM education so that they are empowered to achieve their greatest potential."

Over the past two years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Samsung have partnered up to create Tween Tech Centers for more than 11,000 members. These facilities host a custom curriculum called Building Blocks, a STEM enrichment program for kids up to eighth grade. 

"We believe in the power of STEM education and empowering young minds to embrace the skills that will prepare them for careers in the digital age," said Ann Woo, senior director of corporate citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. "The Tween Tech Center is a resource that helps brings the kids' learning and new ideas to life. It also gives them a chance to interact and bond with fellow members who share similar interests."

The STEM Centers are a part of Samsung's Hope for Children initiative, which has been in existence for more than 10 years. The program is dedicated to providing health care and technology resources to children, as well as STEM education.

The National Math and Science Initiative reports that, in 2013, just 44 percent of U.S. high school graduates were prepared for college-level math courses, while only 36 percent were ready for college-level science classes.