Hughes Joins with 4-H to Champion Online STEM Education amid Increased Demand for Virtual Learning

New 4-H at Home platform offers critical learning resources for kids and teens, continues Hughes and 4-H award-winning STEM collaboration

GERMANTOWN, M.D., June 16, 2020 – With the increase in remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for online education resources has skyrocketed. In response, Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the company behind America’s No. 1 satellite Internet service HughesNet^®, joins with National 4-H Council to empower kids through online access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

The new 4-H at Home platform, developed with the support of HughesNet, combines innovative resources like the 4-H STEM Lab with curriculum and activities from America’s Cooperative Extension System. From February to March, the 4-H STEM Lab saw a 419 percent increase in traffic—a reflection of the increased need for online educational content. Building on the momentum of the HughesNet-sponsored STEM Lab, this new 4-H at Home online destination helps families discover even more activities in areas such as STEM and healthy living, enhancing their at-home learning experience.

“With so many students learning at home due to COVID-19, there is an urgent need for online access to educational resources,” said Peter Gulla, senior vice president of marketing at Hughes. “We are pleased that through our support of 4-H STEM content we are able to help bring quality educational materials to more children and their families during this unprecedented time.”

“Across the country, communities are facing unforeseen challenges due to the impact of the coronavirus,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. “We recognize it can be stressful for parents and families to maintain a sense of normalcy and make sure kids stay on track in their daily development. We are excited to launch the 4-H at Home resource with the support of important partners like HughesNet and the innovation of America’s Cooperative Extension System to help ensure young people have the resources to stay connected and engaged during this uncertain time.”

Recently, the Peer Awards for Excellence recognized Hughes for its work with 4-H promoting STEM education. The company was shortlisted for a Peer Award in Corporate Responsibility in Educating Young People and honored with an Award for Innovation in the category. In 2018, Hughes earned a Peer Award in Corporate Responsibility for innovative hands-on learning resources developed with 4-H, including STEM Lab. Peer Award recipients undergo a meticulous evaluation process by fellow professionals across criteria such as impact and innovation.

Since 2014, HughesNet has supported 4-H’s efforts to bring STEM learning opportunities to young people across the country. For more information, visit https://www.hughesnet.com/4-h-sponsorship