EL SEGUNDO and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mattel
(NASDAQ: MAT), the leading global learning, development and play
company, announced today a commitment to introduce 10 million kids
to coding by 2020 through an expanded partnership with Tynker, the
award-winning computing platform used by one in three U.S.
schools.
Mattel and Tynker began their partnership in 2015 by developing
Hot Wheels® and Monster High® programming experiences that reached
almost 4 million kids. This year, the long-time partners are
slated to launch seven Barbie® coding lessons that will teach girls
about computer science and programming and expose them to careers
such as Pet Vet, Astronaut and Robotics Engineer. This is just
the next step in a multi-year partnership to introduce kids to the
power of computing.
"Through this collaboration, we continue our commitment to
providing meaningful play experiences that are fun while helping
kids with STEM learning, an important 21st century
learning skill," said Sven Gerjets,
CTO of Mattel. "By exposing kids to STEM experiences on Tynker
through Mattel characters they know and love, they may develop a
passion for science and computing that could lead them to a career
in a STEM-related field."
Mattel and Tynker have a number of key initiatives slated for
2018, including:
- Dedicated Barbie Careers Programming Experience – The
Barbie™ programming experience is designed for beginners (grades K
and up), and will gradually introduce young learners to basic
programming concepts by casting them in different career roles
alongside Barbie. The experience will include seven modules and
will launch alongside the reveal of Barbie's "Career of the Year"
in Summer 2018.
- Mattel Code-A-Thon and Teacher Outreach – Mattel and
Tynker will host a digital event during Back to School to encourage
kids to participate in programming, featuring their favorite
characters. Because teachers are important partners, the two
companies will also work together to provide teachers with the
tools needed to leverage this content in the classroom.
- Global Student Engagement – Mattel and Tynker will
continue to leverage content from Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Monster
High to promote the 2018 Computer Science Education Week Hour of
Code™ in December.
"For close to 75 years, Mattel has taken a visionary approach to
advancing play for kids around the world, most recently promoting
computer programming and other STEM skills alongside iconic brands
like Barbie, Hot Wheels and Monster High," said Krishna Vedati, Tynker's co-founder and CEO. "We
are very excited by this expanded partnership and the ambitious—but
achievable—goal of teaching 10 million kids to learn to code by
2020 using Mattel brands."
For more information on how Mattel and Tynker have teamed up to
inspire millions of children to develop coding and computer
programming skills, please visit www.Mattel.com and
www.tynker.com.
About Mattel
Mattel is a global learning, development
and play company that inspires the next generation of kids to shape
a brighter tomorrow. Through our portfolio of iconic consumer
brands, including American Girl®, Barbie®, Fisher-Price®, Hot
Wheels® and Thomas & Friends™, we create systems of play,
content and experiences that help kids unlock their full potential.
Mattel also creates inspiring and innovative products in
collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies
as well as other partners. With a global workforce of approximately
32,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and
sells products in more than 150 nations. Visit us online
at www.mattel.com.
About Tynker
Tynker's award-winning creative computing
platform helps children develop computational thinking and
programming skills in a fun, intuitive, and imaginative way. The
platform is used by one in three U.S. schools and over 60 million
kids, spanning over 150 countries. Tynker was founded by a seasoned
team of technology entrepreneurs who share a passion for giving
children the critical life skills needed to become leaders in the
technologies of tomorrow. Global partners include brands such as
Apple, Microsoft, Mattel, PBS, Sylvan Learning, and more. For more
information, please visit www.tynker.com, like us on Facebook
(facebook.com/GoTynker), and follow us on Twitter @GoTynker.
MAT-CORP
Media Contacts:
Marissa
Beck
Marissa.beck2@mattel.com
415-902-5233
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SOURCE Mattel