At Silicon Labs, “doing the right thing” is a corporate value we live by. Ever since our company was founded in 1996, we’ve made it a priority to give back to communities where we operate. In 2016, our Austin site embarked on a new philanthropic partnership with Code2College. Code2College’s mission is to dramatically increase the number of minority and low-income high school students who enter and excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) undergraduate majors and careers, and their work aligns perfectly with our goal to promote the advancement of STEM education. Together, we’ve built a mutually beneficial relationship that helps serve the community. In addition to providing volunteers for Code2College activities, we’ve hosted numerous student workshops and events onsite and hired Code2College high school summer interns, giving them a preview of what it’s like to work in STEM.
Code2College Executive Director, Matt Stephenson, shared his views of Silicon Labs’ involvement with Code2College: “Our relationship with Silicon Labs has grown exponentially over the years because of the many things that the company is doing for and with us. With Silicon Labs’ engineers, our students are learning not just the actual technical skills in software development but also numerous soft skills that are valuable in the workplace, like working with a team, effective communication, and project management. It’s a great value proposition from a successful semiconductor organization like Silicon Labs, and we are so thankful for this partnership.”
Don’t just take our word for it – hear from some of our Code2College volunteers.
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"Initially, I was concerned that I may not be able to connect with the students," said Kafai Leung, Director of IoT ICs and Modules, who was recently named "Most Inspiring Mentor" by Code2College. "Once we started the program, I realized the students were sincere and very motivated to learn. Gradually, a bond between us grew. The more I learned about the ways they overcame their backgrounds and challenges, the more I respected them and was able to help them discover their strengths. Workshop after workshop, I can see their confidence increase, and it's my privilege and honor to be part of their transformation. I think it's more of a blessing to give than to receive, and I'm glad I have something to give.”
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"Students need to see an actual minority like myself in the engineering world, so they’ll believe that they can also become an engineer,” said Esther Alexander, Staff Software Quality Engineer. “My experience provides insight to students who may wonder about the struggles I’ve been through, and I hope to inspire them to push ahead. Giving back to Code2College is the least I can do to support the work others have invested in me along my journey to where I am today.”
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"Volunteering for Code2College was an easy decision,” said May Ledesma, Sr. Technical Writer. “I’ve been discriminated against as a woman in STEM in the past, but my parents and education equipped me with the resilience necessary to achieve my dreams. I’ve always had a passion for education and teaching for Code2College helps me to continue to learn while allowing me to help my community. It is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also fun!”
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We’re proud to partner with Code2College on the important work they’re doing every day in our community. For more information about their services, visit code2college.org.
Doing the Right Thing: A Silicon Labs and Code2College Story
At Silicon Labs, “doing the right thing” is a corporate value we live by. Ever since our company was founded in 1996, we’ve made it a priority to give back to communities where we operate. In 2016, our Austin site embarked on a new philanthropic partnership with Code2College. Code2College’s mission is to dramatically increase the number of minority and low-income high school students who enter and excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) undergraduate majors and careers, and their work aligns perfectly with our goal to promote the advancement of STEM education. Together, we’ve built a mutually beneficial relationship that helps serve the community. In addition to providing volunteers for Code2College activities, we’ve hosted numerous student workshops and events onsite and hired Code2College high school summer interns, giving them a preview of what it’s like to work in STEM.
Code2College Executive Director, Matt Stephenson, shared his views of Silicon Labs’ involvement with Code2College: “Our relationship with Silicon Labs has grown exponentially over the years because of the many things that the company is doing for and with us. With Silicon Labs’ engineers, our students are learning not just the actual technical skills in software development but also numerous soft skills that are valuable in the workplace, like working with a team, effective communication, and project management. It’s a great value proposition from a successful semiconductor organization like Silicon Labs, and we are so thankful for this partnership.”
Don’t just take our word for it – hear from some of our Code2College volunteers.
"Initially, I was concerned that I may not be able to connect with the students," said Kafai Leung, Director of IoT ICs and Modules, who was recently named "Most Inspiring Mentor" by Code2College. "Once we started the program, I realized the students were sincere and very motivated to learn. Gradually, a bond between us grew. The more I learned about the ways they overcame their backgrounds and challenges, the more I respected them and was able to help them discover their strengths. Workshop after workshop, I can see their confidence increase, and it's my privilege and honor to be part of their transformation. I think it's more of a blessing to give than to receive, and I'm glad I have something to give.”
"Students need to see an actual minority like myself in the engineering world, so they’ll believe that they can also become an engineer,” said Esther Alexander, Staff Software Quality Engineer. “My experience provides insight to students who may wonder about the struggles I’ve been through, and I hope to inspire them to push ahead. Giving back to Code2College is the least I can do to support the work others have invested in me along my journey to where I am today.”
"Volunteering for Code2College was an easy decision,” said May Ledesma, Sr. Technical Writer. “I’ve been discriminated against as a woman in STEM in the past, but my parents and education equipped me with the resilience necessary to achieve my dreams. I’ve always had a passion for education and teaching for Code2College helps me to continue to learn while allowing me to help my community. It is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also fun!”
We’re proud to partner with Code2College on the important work they’re doing every day in our community. For more information about their services, visit code2college.org.
Thank you so much for sharing