Social Networking | News

Rocket21 Partners with SEM Link To Connect Students with STEM Pros

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 01/17/13

Educational social network Rocket21 has partnered with non-profit SEM (Science Engineering and Mathematics) Link to connect students with experts from the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Rocket21 is "designed to safely connect kids and teens with professionals and experts representing industries, professions, passions, and movements that span the globe," according to the company.

As part of the partnership, SEM Link leaders will join that group of professionals and experts and become Rocket21 Pros, as they are referred to by the company. Rocket21 Pros, representing hundreds of fields including dance instruction, television journalism, corporate financial law, human resources, and renewable energy, among others, make themselves available to answer questions and share experiences with students.

To ensure the safety of students on the network, Rocket21 uses a combination of real-time filtering and human moderation, a "specialized infrastructure," and other safety and security precautions. The company also partners with Privacy Vaults Online (PRIVO) to comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, and Crisp Thinking for filtering and Monitoring.

Founded in 2005, SEM Link's mission "is to promote student achievement and career exploration in math and science while increasing student exposure to the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics communities," according to information on the organization's Web site.

"My entire career has been devoted to enhancing the educational experience for youth with a special emphasis in STEM," said SEM Link Founder and Executive Director Tokiwa Smith, in a prepared statement. "Rocket21 and SEM Link's missions are aligned around helping to remove barriers that prevent youth from reaching their full potential; specifically those connected to exposure and having positive adult role models. Rocket21 is the perfect platform for us to connect with youth and help provide that critical exposure."

To learn more about Rocket21, or to join the public beta, visit rocket21.com. Visit semsuccess.org for more information about SEM Link.