“I never thought I could be a scientist until today,” whispered an awestruck student as she programmed a robot for the first time at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Science Festival. Her experience, alongside 49 other students from underserved communities, was made possible through International Game Technology’s (IGT) strategic investment in Caribbean educational technology (EdTech). The company strategically chose March 14 — Albert Einstein’s birthday and worldwide Science Education Day — for the students’ attendance, adding symbolic weight to an already transformative experience.

“EdTech is revolutionising education, and IGT is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. Sponsoring ASA students for The UWI Science Festival is part of our broader mission to integrate technology into learning and create sustainable pathways for success,” said Debbie Green, general manager of IGT Jamaica.

After School Advantage (ASA) is the company’s flagship community initiative, devoted to providing youth with access to technology at digital learning centres in communities where IGT operates. The programme ensures students have access to participate in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) educational opportunities while developing the knowledge and skills for the jobs of tomorrow. Since 2011, IGT and its subsidiaries have opened 40 ASA computer labs across the English-speaking Caribbean. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting its global communities, IGT aims to continually enhance the technological awareness of students and prepare them to contribute to the social and infrastructural development of the Caribbean.

The UWI Science Festival serves as a platform for students to engage with cutting-edge technologies and scientific concepts through interactive experiences. Professor Tannecia Stephenson, deputy dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology and lead on the Science Festival, emphasised the impact of IGT’s support.

“IGT’s support enables more students, particularly in underserved schools, to participate in the Science Festival’s immersive STEM experiences. Through experiments, tours, and expert talks, students gain exposure to science applications and career paths. This investment nurtures future innovators poised to create solutions for global and regional challenges,” she said.

The festival is aligned with The UWI’s strategic approach to education and innovation.

“The UWI’s Triple A strategy — Access, Alignment, and Agility — guides its approach to STEM education and innovation. The festival highlights research, industry partnerships, and technologies, engaging students from Jamaica and the Caribbean. This aligns with initiatives like the BOOST Scholarship programme for science teachers in underserved schools and the ‘FiWi Science’ initiative, which celebrates Jamaica’s scientific culture and legacy,” Professor Stephenson explained.

IGT’s sponsorship enables students from diverse backgrounds to access educational experiences that might otherwise be beyond their reach. By exposing them to emerging technologies and scientific advancements, the company is playing a crucial role in shaping the future workforce of the Caribbean.

“By exposing students to emerging technologies and scientific advancements, we are nurturing a generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers who will drive the Caribbean’s technological evolution,” Green added.

Through this partnership, IGT and The UWI are not only enhancing students’ technical skills but also fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that will be essential for success in an increasingly digital economy. The initiative exemplifies how private sector involvement in education can accelerate the adoption of EdTech solutions and create opportunities for sustainable development across the region.

International Game Technology (IGT) Jamaica General Manager Debbie Green lifts a young student from the IGT After School Advantage Centre at Dunrobin Primary School for a closer look through a powerful telescope during the festival. Surrounded by his fellow students, this hands-on experience nurtures students’ love for astronomy and inspires the next generation to explore the wonders of the universe.