Dallas (PRWEB) July 22, 2014 -- Students better grasp abstract concepts like ratios when a working architect shows them how mathematics affects building design. Few professionals, however, have the time to drive to a school or they are ill-prepared for translating their professional work into concepts students understand. Nepris has now bridged that gap for over 200 companies.
Before Nepris—an online platform virtually connecting professionals to classrooms for online, interactive discussions—professionals and companies did not have a scalable, effective way to reach out to teachers who wanted them to talk with their classes. Teachers had equal difficulty connecting with professionals in STEM (science, engineering, technology and math). Since being launched six months ago, Nepris has addressed these problems, becoming a vehicle for workforce development and community outreach for companies while simultaneously helping teachers expand their students’ horizons.
HKS, Inc.—an architecture firm based in Dallas with 27 worldwide offices—has made connections with classrooms far away from the home office in dynamic and thought-provoking discussions the students love. “Many students have no idea what an architect does or that math is the critical element in planning and design,” said Michael Shald of HKS. “Through Nepris, we’ve shown students how math affects our work on a daily basis. I think the students better appreciate the value of education after these sessions and I get a little recharge each time I work with the kids.”
Earlier this year, Mr. Shald’s virtual discussion on math in architecture clearly excited a class of San Diego fifth graders. When the students were asked for feedback about his session, many said they better understood the importance of considering ratios in building design, a cognitive gap difficult to bridge with classroom studies alone. “Buildings usually look pretty when the proportions are the same,” said one student. “I learned that stairs have the same height so that people won’t trip on them,” said another. For all the students, seeing how one person makes his living, and enjoys doing so, is invaluable.
“Nepris brings classroom learning to life in ways a teacher can’t often do. There are big benefits to the companies in introducing young people to real-world concepts, employment opportunities and possible careers,” said Sabari Raja, CEO and founder of Nepris. “We are bringing down the barriers so that industry engagement can be part of the everyday classroom, not just once or twice a year during career days.”
Professionals and educators can see examples of virtual sessions like HKS’s and enroll their company or school at Nepris.com. Companies can sponsor teachers, schools or districts. Individual teachers from elementary, middle or high schools can sign up for a free trial at any time.
About Nepris
Dallas-based, Nepris, brings STEM to life by connecting professionals with teachers and their students. With Nepris, teachers find professionals who--through interactive, online sessions--show students how the work they do is rooted in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics being taught in school. See Nepris in action at Nepris.com/webinar or sign-up as a teacher or STEM professional at Nepris.com.
Jennifer Harrison, J Harrison Public Relations, +1 (916) 716-0636, jennifer@jharrisonpr.com
Share this article