10
Wharf Life Feb 26-Mar 11, 2020 wharf-life.com
12
Schools took part in the challenge, which culminated in final presentations at Here East in Stratford
how JP Morgan is working with schools to boost students’ career opportunities and passion for STEM
JP Morgan’s Rebecca Hooper took part in the Schools Challenge as a mentor for the first time this year
by Jon Massey
I
challenge setting a
nspiring the next generation is something JP Morgan takes seriously. While Canary Wharf may be home to the European headquarters of the investment bank, its activities increasingly reach beyond the estate’s borders with the aim of helping young people from a diverse range of backgrounds gain the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for them to compete in the global economy. Its philanthropic arm, the JP Morgan Foundation, recently hosted the final of its largest Schools Challenge competition at Here East in Stratford. The four-month programme saw 192 students, aged 13-14, from 12 London schools work to come up with creative ideas to make London a better place with a focus on climate change and sustainability. The challenge was also designed to promote the study of STEM subjects by demonstrating to students the breadth of careers possible once ualified in them One of two teams from St Paul’s Way Trust School in Bow – Re-greener-ate – were named overall winners for their electricity-generating footwear, which beat ideas for water-soluble packaging, a power-generating gym, a bus with a green roof and a water bottle made out of fruit skins, among many others. “The foundation has had a very long-standing commitment to young people globally, but particularly in London,” said Hang Ho, head of philanthropy for the JP Morgan Foundation in Europe and Latin America. “We have done that for a couple of reasons – supporting the next generation is something everyone agrees is important, both from an altruistic perspective but also as a company. We are making sure that the talent of tomorrow is diverse and comes from as many different backgrounds as possible. “The foundation has been investing in programmes to support young people both through funding, but also through the skills and expertise and time of our people. “We know young people can