by switchfulthink | Jan 15, 2024 | Uncategorized
STEAM education focused GeorgiaFIRST® event teaches students problem solving, teamwork, inspired robot design and building
Atlanta, GA – Switch, the global technology infrastructure corporation that develops hyperscale data center ecosystems for enterprise colocation, differentiated multi-cloud, and industry-leading telecommunications solutions and GeorgiaFIRST® Robotics today announced Switch’s sponsorship of the GeorgiaFIRST Symposium and FIRST® Tech Challenge kickoff. The sponsorship is part of Switch’s expanded involvement with FIRST Robotics and its continued support of STEAM education programs. Switch has aligned its community initiatives with FIRST Robotics in the states where its four PRIME Campus are located including Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, Grand Rapids, Michigan and now Atlanta, Georgia.
As the technology revolution moves into the “Age of Analytics” defined by AI, big data, machine learning and next generation technologies, Switch is focused on supporting FIRST to create pathways to build a workforce development pipeline of tech talent for the future. FIRST Robotics embraces innovative programming that enables young inventors to apply both engineering and artistic skills with equal mastery to build their final creations as the embodiment of STEAM education. “Switch Founder and CEO Rob Roy became involved with FIRST to increase awareness around careers in technology, particularly among underrepresented groups such as women and minority students,” said Adam Kramer, Switch Executive Vice President of Strategy. “As our company has expanded to Georgia, we are excited about the opportunity to work with GeorgiaFIRST and the other powerhouse companies around the state who are committed to STEAM education.” “GeorgiaFIRST is so pleased to welcome Switch as a new company to Georgia that is focused on the intersection of technology, art, and talent development for the workforce of the future,” said Connie Haynes, GeorgiaFIRST Robotics CEO. “Switch’s community engagement goals align with the work of FIRST Robotics and we look forward to our partnership.”
The one-day Symposium and FIRST® Tech Challenge event provides the opportunity for over 1,200 students from across Georgia to participate in sessions focused on learning more about the fundamentals of FIRST Robotics, including electrical, mechanical, software, hardware, fundraising, sponsorships, and leadership development. The event will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia.
About Switch
Switch (NYSE: SWCH), the technology infrastructure corporation headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada is built on the intelligent and sustainable growth of the Internet. Switch founder and CEO Rob Roy has developed more than 500 issued and pending patent claims covering data center designs that have manifested into the company’s world-renowned data centers and technology solutions.
The Switch PRIMES, located in Las Vegas and Tahoe Reno, Nevada; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Atlanta, Georgia (opening in Q4 2019) are the world’s most powerful hyperscale data center campus ecosystems with low latency to major U.S. markets. Visit switch.com for more information.
About GeorgiaFIRST®
GeorgiaFIRST Robotics inspires young people to be STEM leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based robotics competitions that build science, engineering and technology aptitude. Our K-12 programs help develop a lifelong love of innovation and encourage the pursuit of STEM careers, while helping kids develop well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. Learn more and get involved at www.gafirst.org.
by switchfulthink | Oct 8, 2019 | Uncategorized
Multi-Year Collaboration to Focus on Sports-Science, Data Analytics, and Student-Athlete Success
LAS VEGAS – October 8, 2019 – UNLV and Switch (NYSE: SWCH) today announced that they have entered into a multi-year technology initiative focused on sports-science, data analytics and student-athlete success. This collaboration, enabled by a substantial financial commitment from Switch, is motivated by a mutual aspiration to establish Las Vegas as the world’s epicenter of sports. Switch, the global technology infrastructure corporation that develops hyperscale data center ecosystems for enterprise colocation, differentiated multi-cloud, and industry-leading telecommunications solutions, sees the relationship with UNLV Athletics as accelerating its entry into sports, and health and wellness research.
“Switch is excited to build the technology foundation to accelerate the emergence of the UNLV Athletic Department as a nationally preeminent program through the intersection of data analytics, sports technology and physical athletics,” said Switch Founder and CEO Rob Roy. “We believe in the leadership and direction of the UNLV Athletic Department and are proud to take this exciting step forward together.”
Anchoring the relationship, is the soon-to-be Switch Sports Science Studio located in the heart of UNLV’s planned Center for Student-Athlete Excellence. The Excellence Center will provide holistic services fundamental to the success of student-athletes with the Switch Studio to represent an interdisciplinary, leading edge context to drive sports performance.
“We are thrilled about what our partnership will mean for our student-athletes,” said UNLV Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois. “This is a cutting-edge collaboration with a world-class technology company that will deliver unprecedented impact. We are truly honored to call Switch a critical partner and we thank Rob Roy and Thomas Morton for this vote of confidence.”
This partnership with Switch will also feature collaboration with UNLV’s Division of Research and Economic Development. Space in the Switch Sports Science Studio will be devoted to aligned campus faculty members and staff engaged in sports-science related research, innovation and scholarship.
“This is a great example of UNLV coming together as a campus community to begin a transformational partnership with an industry-leading company,” said Zach Miles, UNLV Associate Vice President for Economic Development. “Together, we will utilize technology to optimize performance, recovery and safety, and we will impact lives by using data to reduce certain risks to athletes.”
Effects of physical exertion across both amateur and professional sports have been well documented. Through this new step in partnership with Switch, UNLV will look to emerge as a national leader in safeguarding, through technology and innovation, the health and welfare of student-athletes.
“Establishing the Switch Sports Science Studio reflects our core value of innovation and begins our journey to becoming the industry leader in the use of information to drive new levels of safety, efficiency, and ultimately competitiveness,” continued Reed-Francois.
Community impact is also a focal point for both parties. “Switch is proud to provide the technology infrastructure at the forefront of Las Vegas’ and UNLV’s transformation,” said Rob Roy. “We are excited to accelerate positive growth while we work together to develop UNLV’s student-athletes into leaders of character to take our city forward.”
Planning for the UNLV Center for Student-Athlete Excellence, to be located within a renovated Lied Athletic Complex is underway. Additional services to be featured in the center will include nutrition, counseling, academic support, and sports medicine, alongside professional placement and leadership development.
About UNLV Athletics
The UNLV Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is home to 17 NCAA Division I teams and 515 exceptional student-athletes who have produced a record four consecutive semesters of a combined grade point average higher than 3.0. While just six decades old, the Department boasts a rich history of championship success with two national team titles (men’s basketball and men’s golf) and an array of individual NCAA winners from its 10 women’s and seven men’s programs. The Runnin’ Rebel men’s basketball program remains one of the nation’s most prominent with several other UNLV programs recently claiming Mountain West Conference championships. The Department is currently modernizing its facilities infrastructure to enhance the student-athlete experience. Along with moving into the $2 billion Allegiant Stadium in 2020, the new Fertitta Football Complex will open in fall 2019 to offer UNLV football 73,000 square feet of cutting-edge space, while a full renovation of the Lied Athletic Complex will commence in early 2020. As part of the renovation, UNLV will establish the Center for Student-Athlete Excellence offering student-athletes second-to-none support services essential to the fulfillment of the Department’s mission: Graduate Leaders, Win Championships and Excel in All That It Does.
About Switch
Switch (NYSE: SWCH), the technology infrastructure corporation headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada is built on the intelligent and sustainable growth of the Internet. Switch Founder and CEO Rob Roy has developed more than 500 issued and pending patent claims covering data center designs that have manifested into the company’s world-renowned data centers and technology solutions.
The Switch PRIMES, located in Las Vegas and Tahoe Reno, Nevada; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Atlanta, Georgia are the world’s most powerful hyperscale data center campus ecosystems with low latency to major U.S. markets. Visit switch.com for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Switch as of the date hereof, and Switch disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, please refer to Switch’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (including information under the caption “Risk Factors”) and other reports filed with the SEC. Switch’s SEC filings are available on the Investors section of Switch’s website at https://investors.switch.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
by switchfulthink | Sep 4, 2019 | Uncategorized
Multi-dimensional learning experience allows students to focus on art, technology and STEAM career paths
Mich. – Switch, the global technology infrastructure corporation that develops hyperscale data center ecosystems for enterprise colocation, differentiated multi-cloud, and industry-leading telecommunications solutions and FIRST in Michigan® today announced that Switch is sponsoring FIRST® Robotics teams from across Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Petoskey, Detroit and Flint, to attend a STEAM education field trip to Project 1 by ArtPrize on Saturday, September 7th, 2019. The partnership presents FIRST teams the opportunity to explore the intersection of art and technology and STEAM career paths.
The event, part of an ongoing relationship with Switch, ArtPrize and FIRST, provides students the opportunity to meet with Project 1 artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, who’s work regularly integrates technologies such as robotics, computerized surveillance and telematic networks.
The FIRST students will also explore STEAM career pathways at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University and Grand Rapids Community College as part of the field trip experience.
“From the creation of the first STEAM Lab at Art Prize in 2017, to this partnership with FIRST and Project 1, Switch is committed to supporting opportunities that develop a pipeline of tech talent in Michigan and teaches students critical skills for future workforce development,” said Adam Kramer, Switch Executive Vice President of Strategy.
“Switch has been a tremendous partner in creatively expanding opportunities for our FIRST in Michigan teams to experience the importance of STEAM education,” said Gail Albert, FIRST in Michigan President. “Through events like this, our students will benefit from a holistic strategy to understand how the integration of technology and art helps prepare them for the jobs of the future, all values supported by FIRST Robotics.”
Switch Founder and CEO Rob Roy became involved with FIRST to increase awareness around careers in technology, particularly among underrepresented groups such as women and minorities. Educational partnership with FIRST and Project 1 advances these goals.
About Switch
Switch (NYSE: SWCH), the technology infrastructure corporation headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada is built on the intelligent and sustainable growth of the Internet. Switch founder and CEO Rob Roy has developed more than 500 issued and pending patent claims covering data center designs that have manifested into the company’s world-renowned data centers and technology solutions.
The Switch PRIMES, located in Las Vegas and Tahoe Reno, Nevada; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Atlanta, Georgia (opening in Q4 2019) are the world’s most powerful hyperscale data center campus ecosystems with low latency to major U.S. markets. Visit switch.com for more information.
About FIRST®
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $80 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST®LEGO® League for Grades 4-8; and FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. for Grades K-4. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org.