EVERFI and Goodyear Collaborate on Career Readiness Initiative

EverFi, the leading critical skills education company, and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today announced the Goodyear Future STEM Leaders Program that will extend digital learning opportunities to students at the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) STEM High School and the associated NIHF Center for STEM Learning in Akron, Ohio.

Today, only 6 percent of the 3.8 million ninth graders in the United States are expected to choose a STEM-focused degree in college. Meanwhile, STEM industries continue to be one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy with projections forecasting more than nine million STEM-related jobs available in America by 2018.

The Goodyear Future STEM Leaders Program will provide students with interactive programs that help them build entrepreneurship and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills. Using the power of cutting-edge instructional design, gamification, and real world simulations, students are also introduced to the technical careers of the future and the skillsets needed to succeed in these fields.

The program is aligned with Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel’s Ohio Strong Initiative, which recognizes Ohio workers in manufacturing and the skilled trades, and raises public awareness to encourage more people to pursue careers in these fields.

“As the baby boomers retire, I frequently hear about the shortage of welders, pipe-fitters, electricians, carpenters, machinists and other skilled trades across Ohio. There are high-paying jobs going unfilled because employers can’t find a modern workforce to hire with the skill sets they need,” said Mandel. “I believe that there is a quiet crisis upon us, and in order to prosper as a country, we need to encourage young Americans to pursue careers in the skilled trades. I launched the Ohio Strong Initiative to help bring pride and profile to dedicated men and women across our state who work in these fields that are so vital to our economy.”

The Goodyear Future STEM Leaders Program is part of the organization’s broader community engagement efforts focused on STEM career preparedness, road safety, and established volunteer programs near its Akron headquarters.

About Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, it employs approximately 66,000 people and manufactures its products in 49 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear or its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.