In early 2021, Newton America, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was established to bring Newton to the United States.
Working together with local schools, governments, donors, and Newton network partners, Newton America acts as the entry point for communities around the U.S. to establish Newton as a sustainable part of their K-12 STEM educational program.
The curriculum-based teaching is varied and focuses on learning through practical activities. Newton Teachers come from the local community and are specially trained and supported by a worldwide Newton Network.
Norwegian origins - American future
The Newton concept was engineered by the Norwegian non-profit organization FIRST Scandinavia all the way back in 2008. Since then the network of Newton Rooms and teachers have expanded steadily.
The process to bring Newton to the U.S. has been in the works for years. For years, school district leaders eager to bring this unique, hands-on STEM experience to their students have engaged FIRST Scandinavia about Newton.
FIRST Scandinavia’s Managing Director, Stian Elstad, is pleased to now finally welcome the U.S. to Newton’s global network, and is especially happy with securing William Edwards (the picture above) from Chicago, Illinois, to lead the American effort.
After nine years leading international corporate giving and employee engagement for Boeing, including several years of partnership with FIRST Scandinavia on the Newton Concept, William left at the end of 2020 to help establish Newton America and bring Newton to the United States. At Boeing, he oversaw all of Boeing Global Engagement’s charitable giving outside the U.S., including the expansion of Newton into nine new countries in Europe, as well as China and Turkey.
"With more than 15 years of STEM education success in Europe and around the world, we are so happy to finally be able to bring the Newton Concept to the United States", Edwards said upon launch of the new U.S. non-profit.
"The Newton team's ability to develop unique STEM curriculum, train and support local teachers, and deliver state-of-the-art STEM infrastructure can make a big impact for all of America's K-12 students, not just those with access to the best schools" says William Edwards.
More important than ever
Elstad reflected similar thoughts about STEM around the world in light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.
“After a challenging year for all, and especially the younger generation, it is more important than ever to invest in, build confidence, and provide great and equal learning opportunities to children and students. In Newton we provide students with learning experiences where they can feel the joy of mastering STEM topics, be inspired, and understand the link to the real world.
Connecting education and industry is crucial in order to demonstrate and create an understanding of the vast amount of opportunities that exist within the STEM field, whether you want to improve the future through healthcare, environmental efforts, or technological development. We are looking forward to build bridges between industry and education systems in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.”
Find out more about Newton America
Newton offers science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in an experiential and collaborative concept.
FIRST Scandinavia’s Managing Director, Stian Elstad, is pleased to now finally welcome the U.S. to Newton’s global network.
