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UScellular encourages summer learning for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley through ‘Ask an Engineer’ event

July 11, 2022

To help drive interest and develop understanding of engineering careers, UScellular representatives visited Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s Regal Entertainment Teen Center and Haslam Family Club University to discuss the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in wireless technology. Local UScellular engineering associates, Joey Chandler and Derick Norris, led an “Ask an Engineer” session to show club members how STEM applies in specific careers.

During the session, the children heard about the vital role that UScellular engineers play in maintaining a strong network in Tennessee. Participants learned a rundown of everyday tasks from how texts are sent to the variety of sites that UScellular uses to ensure coverage for customers. The engineers also discussed how they entered the STEM field and the lessons learned along the way.

UScellular engineers Derick Norris and Joey Chandler pose with members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley at the ‘Ask an Engineer’ event on July 11.

“At UScellular, we are committed to growing STEM education, so our hope is that our visit provided a lasting learning experience for these youth,” said Chandler, senior manager of access operations manager for UScellular. “Our connection to the Boys & Girls Clubs allows us to provide opportunities like ‘Ask an Engineer’ so that these young minds might continue lifelong STEM learning along with other educational avenues.”

After the presentation, club members explored a UScellular truck and tracked all-terrain vehicle (ATV) designed for traveling to cell sites in hilly or mountainous areas. UScellular also donated headphones and Bluetooth speakers to the Boys & Girls Clubs to increase available technology for club use.

“UScellular engineers shared valuable insights about careers in STEM with our club members, who were eager to learn more,” said Angel Fishback, director of the Regal Entertainment Teen Center. “It was a great opportunity for them to explore new possibilities for careers and get excited about their future.”

UScellular is focused on addressing gaps in STEM education and is connecting more than 200,000 of tomorrow’s innovators each year with the resources they need to help shape future opportunities. In 2021, the company donated $30,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley along with $115,000 in hot spots and two years of wireless service.

About UScellular

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses, and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com. Connect with UScellular on social media at facebook.com/uscellular, twitter.com/uscellular, instagram.com/uscellular, YouTube.com/uscellularcorp and linkedin.com/company/uscellular.