Cognizant Expands "Making The Future" Education Initiative

TEANECK, N.J., Sept. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) today announced plans to expand its Making the Future education initiative, focused on inspiring children with a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Launched at the World Maker Faire in New York last year, Making the Future supports nationwide after-school and summer programs, awards U.S. -based college scholarships, sponsors a permanent exhibition at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), and inspires countless students to pursue their interest in STEM disciplines. Making the Future's 2012 milestones include:

• Supporting 10 after-school and summer programs initiated to facilitate hands-on, STEM-based learning. Cognizant's grants funded tools, materials, and instructor stipends for programs at venues including the Newark Museum, the Children's Aid Society, and the Detroit Public Library.
• Launching a U.S. scholarship program that awarded $5,000 scholarships to students pursuing STEM -related undergraduate degrees. The design-based scholarship program required candidates to submit a video summary of their projects that showed the creativity and innovation behind them and was judged by a committee chaired by NYSCI CEO Margaret Honey.
• Unveiling the Cognizant Maker Space at NYSCI. The space is a 1,200-square-foot area where schools, families, and aspiring Makers can learn the tools and techniques of physical and digital Making in a collaborative setting.
• Co-founding the Maker Education Initiative, a new non -profit organization created to develop more opportunities that fuel interest in STEM, the arts, and learning as a whole.
• Committing to Maker Corps, a program that hires young adults to mentor and educate children in after -school and summer programs inspired by the Maker Movement.

"In year one of this program, we've seen tremendous interest from children, parents, and youth-serving organizations across the country," said Mark Greenlaw, vice president of sustainability and educational affairs at Cognizant and program director of Making the Future. "The hands-on nature of Making is a perfect match for children and vital in helping them create, collaborate, and unlock new skills and interests in STEM."

As part of its expanded commitment to Making the Future, Cognizant released 2013 program goals. Next year, the company will double the number of after -school programs from 10 to 20 and will award college scholarships to 20 students. The application period for 2013 scholarships begins October 1, 2012.

"Making the Future forms an important part of our endeavor to encourage educational innovation and creative empowerment," said Francisco D'Souza, CEO of Cognizant and member of the NYSCI board of trustees. "It is critical that we provide opportunities for children to unleash their creativity. We believe the Making the Future initiative and our work with the Maker Movement can serve as a blueprint for efforts to promote innovation and ignite a passion for STEM disciplines."

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