SciTech Institute announced June 14 that it has joined global technology distributor Avnet to expand SciTech’s Chief Science Officers (CSO) program to new locations in the U.S. and globally.

“Avnet is sponsoring SciTech’s Chief Science Officers program because we share a common goal: to build productive career paths for young adults within the STEM field,” said Phil Gallagher, CEO of Avent, in a story by the Arizona Commerce Authority. 

Avnet said it plans to invest in the expansion of four Avnet hubs over the next two years in Chicago, Gaffney, South Carolina; Leeds, England; and Guadalajara, Mexico.

“By expanding this exciting program into more regions, we’re not only helping more students develop their skills, we’re also engaging our employees as mentors, speakers and examples of success in the high tech industry,” Gallagher said in the story. “That experience can serve as a guide in years to come—both for the students and our own employees.”

The CSO program aims to grow STEM programs in schools by allowing students in grades 6-12 to be STEM “ambassadors” for their schools and communities, the story said. There are COS programs in operation in 11 states as well as chapters in Kenya, Kuwait and Mexico. 

“The support of innovative companies like Avnet, along with the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Technology Council Foundation, have helped make the CSO program a worldwide success,” said Steven Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. “Most important, this expansion will empower more young adults to discover their passions, be science and tech ambassadors, and explore new STEM career opportunities.”

The CSO program currently consists of about 1,000 students, with 600 in the U.S. and 400 internationally, the report noted.

“We are grateful for Avnet’s support to expand the CSO program,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Avnet’s investment will increase STEM opportunities in Arizona and around the world. The success of the CSO program highlights the need to continue developing a next generation workforce to fill the in-demand STEM jobs of tomorrow. We look forward to continuing to support the CSO program and its successful partnership with Avnet.”