Cognizant has an incredible impact on the efficacy of technology solutions for companies worldwide. They were looking for an outreach program for their staff, which allowed them to use their volunteering time to have a meaningful impact not only on employees but in the communities they would serve, allowing real life change to occur.
Due to educational inequities experienced by students from low socio-economic areas that have flow on effects of racial discrimination, harassment and cultural barriers, future employment opportunities for youth from these areas can be limiting. Together, Cognizant and Creating Chances have commenced a journey to re-imagine how some of Australia’s most diverse and disadvantaged Australian students can realise their future through the wonders of technology.
With the help of our partners at Cognizant, Head Facilitator Paul successfully delivered our Future Pathways Program to students at Monterey Secondary College (MSC), Holroyd High School IEC and Chester Hill High School IEC. Digital Futures focuses on increasing self-awareness, goal setting, understanding the future of work in technology, and leadership. It is underpinned by the student voice, building positive relationships, and being forward-looking. This program provided students with the tools that will enable them to create innovative solutions to social challenges faced by young people using technology.
The end of the programs culminated in an excursion to Cognizant HQ in Melbourne and Sydney. This Digital Futures excursion encapsulated the tremendous work led by MSC students who participated in the Digital Futures Program funded by Cognizant. The students created and presented an EPIC Pitch about a social issue in their community using the framework of EPIC – Engaging the audience, presenting the Problem, breaking down their Innovative Solution, and a Call to Action to a panel of volunteers from Cognizant and MSC.
The students took part in a Tech Talk learning about the ever-changing Future of Work and how Cognizant is at the forefront of adapting to the changes in technology and how it affects our everyday life. Topics included, blockchain, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, and Soft Skills.
A Q and A session was hosted by various volunteers from diverse departments in the Cognizant family. Questions of advice about the future and how they reached success in their employment were shared. Personal stories of their upbringing and the choices they made to get to where they are now offered great insight to the students.
Our partnership with Cognizant and Astin Martin additionally led to an industry excursion to the Formula1 Albert Park Grand Prix Melbourne as part of an additional Future Pathways Program with MSC. The day included a Cognizant Office Tour, exploration of University Stalls, Giveaways, a Pit Stop Challenge, and the Ford Mustangs Race across the track.
A further fantastic opportunity provided to Cognizant staff volunteers through our Future Pathways; Digital Futures Program occurred in November 2022, Cognizant staff, Simone Epskamp, Varun Shirodkar, and Abhinav Kalra volunteered to visit Coomealla High School, the most remote High School in New South Wales. Located in Dareton, where over 50% of the students are Aboriginal, the High School caters for a complex mix of students also from farming backgrounds.
Over three days, ten Year 9 students participated in the Digital Futures Program which included school-based workshops and online mentoring sessions co-delivered by Cognizant staff as well as an industry visit to LedaAg, specialists in agricultural parts, service, and manufacturing farming machinery in Mildura.
Digital Futures focused on increasing self-awareness, goal setting, understanding of the future of work in technology, and leadership. It is underpinned by the student voice, building positive relationships, and forward looking. This program provided students with the tools that will enable them to create innovative solutions to social challenges faced by young people, using technology.
The Program highlights include Volunteer regional travel programs where Volunteers participate in intensive 3-day foundational coaching sessions. They teach students about growth mindset, strength-based approaches, and employment skills focused on tech.
There are also volunteer metro programs in which Volunteers take part in one-day industry excursions where students visit their workplaces. They participate in activities that assist students to develop a growth mindset and employment skills in the tech world.
“I found the experience of working with the students very rewarding. I found their view of the world refreshingly honest (eye-opening even!) and certainly challenged some of my preconceptions. Thank you!” – Cognizant volunteer
“I enjoyed learning about the university’s futuristic programs like the helicopter driving (simulator). It opened my eyes to see that there are many universities I could go to and study further after high school. I’m definitely interested in going to RMIT University.” – MSC Student.
“It was really fun and I learned a lot. I definitely improved my confidence and public speaking skills”- MSC Student.
“The aspect of building connections with community organisations and gaining exposure for ideas in real industrial settings was of great benefit to our students.”- Coomealla High School Teacher.
The Digital Futures program enabled over 400 students from 6 high schools and one primary school to participate in digital skills activities led by skilled Cognizent volunteers. Students also attended Digital Industry Taster Days at Cognizant HQ in Sydney and Melbourne.
The volunteers from Cognizant and the students who worked with the volunteers have left with impactful memories and insightful experiences.
At Creating Chances, we connect ideas, inspire growth, and empower young people to build confidence, resilience, and optimism for a brighter future.
