Philippe Cousteau, Jr.’s EarthEcho International Launches STEMExplore, New Digital STEM Career Resource, on March 30th at National Science Teachers Association Conference

First live virtual event profiling scientists and their careers to be held April 19 for students

Washington, DC (March 29, 2017) EarthEcho International's Founder and President Philippe Cousteau, Jr. has spent his life traveling to the far reaches of our planet, just like his father, Philippe Cousteau Sr., and his grandfather, the legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, did before him. Now, EarthEcho brings modern-day explorers and trailblazers to students and classrooms with STEMExplore: a no-cost online destination featuring dozens of relatable, day-in-the-life interviews with scientists and engineers from science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Initial funding for STEMExplore was provided by United Technologies Corporation (UTC).

Philippe Cousteau, Jr. will unveil the new digital resource during an educator workshop he will lead at the National Science Teachers Association National Conference in Los Angeles, CA, on March 30, 2017. Following STEMExplore’s debut, EarthEcho will collaborate with The Nature Conservancy on a live virtual event on April 19, 2017.

“At EarthEcho, we work with young people every day who are passionate about making a positive difference in the world,” said Cousteau. “One of the main things we hear from educators, counselors and human resource professionals is that they need tools and resources to help prepare these future leaders to achieve their goals.  That need is the reason we created STEMExplore for students and educators.”

Presented through a cabinet of curiosities-themed portal, inspired by the vast collection of items from three generations of Cousteau explorers, STEMExplore is designed to ignite students’ interest in STEM occupations. UTC is collaborating with EarthEcho International to bring STEM careers to life through videos that feature a broad range of scientific careers; video profiles introduce the amazing people who go to work every day in jobs that unearth, study, create or protect these kinds of amazing curiosities.

“Kids often wonder how the world works and dream of ways to make it better,” said John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer, UTC. “Now, STEMExplore will turn that passion into possibility, with dozens of STEM careers brought to life as scientists speak and engineers inspire. Congratulations to EarthEcho on this dynamic new way to engage the next generation of innovators.”

STEMExplore will be the focal point of a special workshop at the National Science Teachers Association National Conference, where Cousteau and EarthEcho staff will help educators connect their students with STEM careers through the lens of exploration and conservation.  The hands-on workshop, which will take place on March 30 from 12:00 – 1:30PM in room 512 at the L.A. Convention Center, will expose educators to middle and high school programs and content developed by EarthEcho International which complement core curriculum in classrooms. Participants will connect to exciting STEM careers through STEMExplore and EarthEcho Expeditions, an ongoing program that shines a light on modern day conservationists and environmental scientists who seek to solve some of the world’s most complex, untenable problems. Participants will learn how to implement Expeditions initiatives in their classrooms and get a sneak peek at EarthEcho’s latest design challenge around clean water. Workshop participants will leave with the tools they need to get started as both STEMExplore and EarthEcho Expeditions resources are offered free of charge to teachers.  For more information about the workshop, please go to bit.ly/EEINSTA17.

To bring STEM careers to life, EarthEcho International will partner with The Nature Conservancy for a live virtual event on April 19, 2017, open to all middle and high schools across the US and internationally that will showcase the array of science and engineering career opportunities and the workforce’s diversity. The event will also feature students from The Harbor School in New York City who will speak about the marine science career training they receive as part of their curriculum. Panelists will explore topics such as their journeys to become STEM professionals: what they love about their work with a focus on nature or sustainability; their inspirations; and what unique qualities students from underrepresented communities bring to the fields of conservation and sustainability. The panel will engage in live discussions and a Q&A with the participating high school classroom, as well as the live event audience through questions obtained via Twitter and YouTube Live. To register your classroom, please go to bit.ly/17_04TNC.

STEMExplore is made possible through the generous support of UTC and the Emmy-nominated television show Xploration Awesome Planet.

About EarthEcho International
EarthEcho International is a nonprofit organization founded on the belief that youth have the power to change our planet. Established by siblings Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau in honor of their father Philippe Cousteau Sr. and grandfather legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, our mission is to inspire young people worldwide to act now for a sustainable future. EarthEcho’s programs are developed for and by youth. All of our resources are designed to equip new generations of leaders and problem solvers to identify and tackle environmental challenges in their own communities and beyond. For more information about EarthEcho International, visit www.earthecho.org.

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Contact: Liz Stein, Liz@punchpointgroup.com, 240.461.3053

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