Vivy Gives

When people think of Artificial Intelligence (AI), they often think of the sci-fi flavor of it. It is often characterized as either benevolent or murderous. But what they don’t realize is that AI is much more subtle than that. (And FYI, we’re very VERY far away from Generalized Artificial Intelligence which is where these sci-fi ideas come from). AI, even in its infancy, continues to integrate into the way we live and the way we do business. It’s in our mobile phones. It’s in our thermostats. It even helps us drive cars.

But there are other applications of AI that are helping science and technology learn more about the world and do things more efficiently. AI and machine learning (ML) are present in life sciences research. It’s in healthcare. Manufacturing. Transportation. Telecommunications. Agriculture. Retail. Software development. And much more.

That’s why, as the current engine behind AI, the global market for machine (ML) learning is projected to grow from $17.1 billion in 2021 to $90.1 billion by 2026. According to the Wall Street Journal, “AI advances have the potential to increase global GDP by up to 14% between now and 2030,” which is the equivalent of an additional $14 to 15 trillion contribution to the world’s economy. Budgets for machine learning initiatives are growing by 25%, and the banking, manufacturing, and IT industries saw the most significant budget growth in 2021. AI and one of the main technologies behind it, machine learning, will only continue to grow and become more central to how we do business and how we live.

STEM and the Future of AI

This poses a significant challenge to the workforce. The demand for skills in ML and AI is outpacing the supply. The STEM jobs market grew 45% in 2018. 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations require significant mathematics or science preparation. The US education system is struggling to keep pace with demand for a workforce well-versed in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) expertise. 92% of boys and 97% of girls lose interest in STEM if not engaged by the 5th grade. Currently only 16% of U.S. bachelor’s degrees will specialize in STEM. Vivy believes that a strong AI and ML industry begins with strong education. Students who are exposed to and subsequently excel at STEM disciplines will be the future of this industry. Additionally, research shows that music education acts as a “multiplier” for STEM ability.

Research stresses the importance of this hands-on learning as an important way to spark interest in critical and fast-growing STEM fields. But little about science instruction in today’s classrooms matches that ideal. Too many districts suffer from a shortage of highly qualified science teachers. Too many schools have to contend with stretched budgets that have eliminated lab equipment and lab time. And so, too many teachers, especially those in underserved communities, are forced to resort to uninspiring “paper labs.” As a result, their students lack skills and experiences that can prepare them for STEM-related post-secondary coursework and jobs in fast-growing STEM jobs.

Vivy will:

• Reinforce STEM and music programs through donations and grants
• Support funding of STEM and music programs in underserved communities
• Award excellent teachers in STEM and music education

That’s why one of the main pillars of Vivy will be to give to STEM and music education programs. When you buy Vivy, you are helping support students get the education they need to become the future engineers we need.

STEM and Music Programs

The programs Vivy will support will change over time, but initially here are the ones will be the priority.

FIRST Robotics

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is an international youth organization that operates the FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST LEGO League Challenge, FIRST LEGO League Explore, FIRST LEGO League Discover, and FIRST Tech Challenge competitions. Learn more about them.

Techbridge Girls

Techbridge Girls is focused on one thing — re-engineering STEM education so girls are inspired and prepared to persist toward their STEM aspirations. Techbridge equips and galvanizes out-of-school time (OST) educators and STEM professionals, with the equity training and curricula that empowers them to act as catalysts for our girls.

IgniteSTEM

IgniteSTEM empowers K-12 Educators with the skills, resources, and network they need to implement project based learning (PBL) in public schools around the world.

Hungry for Music

Founded in 1997, Hungry For Music aims to place musical instruments in the hands of underserved children in the U.S. and around the world — children who might otherwise never be able to experience the joys of artistic expression due to economic hardships. To date, the organization has given away 13,000 instruments to children in 49 states and 30 countries.

Little Kids Rock

The brainchild of California school teacher David Wish, Little Kids Rock was founded in 2002 with the support of music luminaries like Carlos Santana and Bonnie Raitt. The non-profit supplies musical instruments and education resources at no cost to school districts around the country in order to restore and preserve music programs. Their curriculum teaches youngsters how to compose and play the musical genres they already love. Thus far, the organization has served 650,000 students across the nation.

The Roots of Music

Based in New Orleans, The Roots of Music was created by Rebirth Brass Band snare drummer Derrick Tabb and businesswoman Allison Reinhardt to empower the city’s children ages 9–14 through music education, mentorship, and academic support. With a goal of preserving New Orleans’ rich musical and cultural heritage in mind, the non-profit operates an after-school program for at-risk youth that includes music and academic tutoring. Kids get the chance to showcase their skills in the group’s Roots of Music Marching Crusaders, a marching band that has performed at numerous events including Mardi Gras, Essence Music Festival and the inauguration of Louisiana’s governor, John Bel Edwards.

More to come in Part II of this series where we’ll talk about the second pillar of Project Vivy, which involves infusing funds into the research and development of AI tech along with the commercialization of it.

Want to be a part of Project Vivy? Check us out at http://vivy.finance and join the token Telegram group at https://t.me/projectvivy!