PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESSWIRE / January 15, 2025 / In the United States, one in five students are dyslexic or have a learning difference. Another 2.5 million have visual impairments or physical disabilities that make interacting with STEM educational content challenging. To address this disparity, Benetech, a global nonprofit advancing equitable opportunities for all learners, is announcing the launch of an initiative to transform STEM education.
With philanthropic partners General Motors, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Cisco, the Esther and Pedro Rosenblatt Foundation, and the Peninsula Endowment, Benetech is developing a breakthrough AI-powered platform that transforms teaching materials, especially STEM, into interactive, accessible content. Students with dyslexia or visual impairments will be able to read, listen, and ask questions about challenging concepts like equations and images, empowering them to learn independently through Benetech's accessibility-first learning tools.
"Over 30% of neurodivergent or visually impaired students aspire to STEM careers, yet fewer than 10% achieve employment in STEM fields-a stark reminder of the persistent inaccessibility of STEM education," said Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech. "By harnessing the power of AI, we are transforming complex STEM materials into accessible formats, breaking down barriers, ensuring STEM education and careers are within reach for all."
Development of this groundbreaking system includes phases of integration, testing, and pilot programs for neurodivergent students. This strategic approach ensures that the final product will be effective and user-friendly, setting a new standard in accessible education technology.
"In an age where AI is shaping the future of learning, equity must be our guiding principle," said Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. "Every student deserves access to educational materials that meet their needs, yet for too long, learners with disabilities have been left out-not because of technical challenges but because of a lack of inclusivity-oriented design. Benetech's innovative approach changes that by using AI to refine STEM materials into accessible formats, leveling the playing field for all students. This work reminds us that creating values-based educational interventions can be a powerful catalyst for a more knowledgeable and informed society."
General Motors is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM's Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry's widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. www.gm.com/commitments/corporate-giving
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and data science solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. PJMF works in partnership with public, private, and social institutions to drive progress on our most pressing challenges, including digital health, climate change, broad digital access, and data maturity in the social sector. www.mcgovern.org
Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. We aim to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals. www.cisco.com
Esther and Pedro Rosenblatt Foundation provides grants to non-profit, non-governmental organizations that work with children with disabilities and/or illness to improve their lives. www.rosenblattfoundation.org
Peninsula Endowment enhances the lives of individuals with visual disabilities in Northern California by funding innovative, partially needs-based project grants. These grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Northern California that provide life-enhancing educational programs and services, focusing on enabling access to written materials for individuals with visual disabilities. www.peninsulaendowment.org
Contact Information
George Mastoras
Director of Communications
georgem@benetech.org
(914) 489-5282
SOURCE: Benetech
View the original press release on accesswire.com
