Spring 2019
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CTDO Magazine

NVIDIA

Friday, March 15, 2019

With roots in computer graphics, NVIDIA has expanded to provide graphics processing unit–accelerated computing to gamers, designers, and scientists, creating experiences in virtual reality, deep learning, professional visualization, and autonomous cars. Through the NVIDIA Foundation, employees use their tech knowledge to improve their local communities and provide K-12 students with the tools and skills they need to succeed. The foundation’s education opportunities reach underserved and underrepresented youth, improving math and science education and inspiring youth to enter occupations requiring science, technology, engineering, and math (or STEM) skills. For example, employees help students through mentoring and tutoring, donating their time and expertise through one-day events; small group activities; and weekly, one-on-one sessions. Here are examples of their efforts:

Techsplorer

In 2018, NVIDIA launched the Techsplorer program, which introduces underserved students to cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence and deep learning, through hands-on learning activities. The company partnered with Iridescent, a global education nonprofit, to create open-ended engineering challenges that introduce core technical concepts and engage NVIDIA engineers to educate and inspire students. These hands-on activities use everyday materials—such as rubber bands, paper cups, and batteries—to make the topics accessible to a broad range of students. To date, NVIDIA has reached more than 5,800 students through student events, teacher training sessions, and donations of Techsplorer kits.

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Project Inspire

The Project Inspire program has employees and their families volunteer side by side with community members to physically transform schools in low-income areas. This beloved tradition started more than a decade ago when NVIDIA decided to forgo a holiday party and instead invest the funds it would have spent (and more) in community projects. For example, NVIDIANs in Durham, North Carolina, applied computer smarts and partnered with the nonprofit Kramden Institute to refurbish computers for donation to students, schools, and other groups throughout the state who don’t have access to a home computer. Further, employees from NVIDIA offices in the United States, India, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan participated in Project Inspire events in 2018, painting walls and fences; building furniture; revamping outdoor play areas; and donating supplies, books, and backpacks.

Read more from CTDO magazine: Essential talent development content for C-suite leaders.

About the Author

Ryann K. Ellis is an editor for the Association of Talent Development (ATD). She has been covering workplace learning and performance for ATD (formerly the American Society for Training & Development) since 1995. She currently sources and authors content for TD Magazine and CTDO, as well as manages ATD's Community of Practice blogs. Contact her at [email protected]

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