Today (June 15), Pharrell Williams and Cisco announced that they are partnering to “power an inclusive learning experience” through technology donated to Williams’ new microschool, YELLOWHAB.
Founded by Williams, YELLOWHAB is a “microschool” located in the legendary musician’s hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. The technology company donates technologies such as the Webex suite, Secure X, WiFi-6, Meraki, data centers and DNA spaces to provide an inclusive and hybrid learning environment.
“We don’t know much about the workforce that today’s 10-year-olds will eventually enter; in fact, the Institute for the Future reports that 85% of the jobs students today could apply for in 2030 don’t even exist yet,” Cisco said in a statement. “But some things are certain – they will need a solid education to be adaptable, creative and tech-savvy.”
“This partnership between YELLOW and Cisco will take the education of our students at YELLOWHAB to the next level,” said Williams. “I look forward to our young people discovering education through Cisco’s cutting-edge technology, which will continually expand their scope of possibilities through which they see themselves, their community, and their future. »
Cisco President and CEO Chuck Robbins also spoke and spoke about YELLOW’s mission to Cisco’s corporate purpose: “Cisco’s purpose is to create an inclusive future for all , which includes empowering future generations and positively impacting communities around the world. It is essential that we work with local partners to ensure that today’s young people learn and realize their potential in the digital age. Everyone needs access to experiential learning, and we’re proud to work with Pharrell and YELLOW to reach historically marginalized communities and bridge the digital divide.
YELLOWHAB is open to students in grades 3, 4 or 5 who live in Norfolk and have received a free and reduced price lunch. Over 400 students applied for the YELLOWHAB lottery, of which 40 students were ultimately selected to participate in the 2021-22 school year.
