For many years, SAP has been making donations of time and funding to the Silicon Valley. Our initiatives started with volunteer projects scattered "here and there,” but through time have transformed into volunteer opportunities that have been strategic for business.
In 2014, SAP’s CSR investments served over 27,000 youth in the Silicon Valley. Eleven non-profit partners were funded that were aligned with SAP’s previous focus on entrepreneurship and STEM education for children ages eighteen to twenty-four. During Month of Service in 2014, SAP had more than 1,400 employees volunteer in Silicon Valley - a region record!
As SAP quickly grows, new trends and opportunities emerge. It has become increasingly clear that we must, shall I say, SIMPLIFY our strategy even further. Supporting entrepreneurship and STEM education is important, but what does success look like at the end of the day? We support those programs with hopes that being inspired within those fields will make our youth workforce ready for roles in the technology sector.
Using that background, we have further refined our global CSR strategy around corporate giving. Our mission is to equip the world’s youth with skills they need to tackle society’s problems and thrive in the 21st century workforce. SAP Silicon Valley will partner with and invest in organizations that build a skilled workforce for the technology sector through training and workforce development programs.
What does this mean for Silicon Valley? SAP will continue to support local organizations that are aligned to this, and of course continue to have volunteering opportunities. This year our goal is that 40% of our volunteer hours are skills based. We’re also going to continue to open SAP 6-year high schools and 6-year high school programs, with the possibility of one opening locally in the Silicon Valley; keep your eyes peeled for any big announcements!
With opportunities to give back happening all year, we encourage you to get involved to help shape the workforce of the future. From hosting at risk students in our offices, to proof reading college applications, and even virtually mentoring students, we’re continuing to find ways to get employees engaged with the numerous opportunities available.
Learn how you can get involved on the Silicon Valley Jam page with specific opportunities during Month of Inclusion in February.
