Pascal Siakam Isn’t Just Winning Games, He’s Building the Future With Second Cohort of His EdTech Engine
The Former Raptor continues his EdTech Engine through the PS43 Foundation (Courtesy: DMZ).
Pascal Siakam revealed that his EdTech Engine is back for round two, with the program shifting toward AI-focused learning tools and skill-building for young people.
Following the success of the first cohort, the NBA champion is excited to continue this intensive program with TMU’s DMZ, but is looking for start-ups that go beyond standard educational technology.
Siakam acknowledged that “technology is taking over,” and that young people will not be able to thrive in the ever-changing workforce without foundational exposure to artificial intelligence.
“As we move into a second cohort, and expand into AI and youth upskilling, our goal is simple: give young people the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in a changing world. I’m grateful to DMZ and all our partners for helping bring that vision to life,” the three-time NBA All Star star said at the event.
Siakam’s charitable foundation, PS43, is dedicated to empowering youth through education and opportunity. Continuing his late father’s legacy, Siakam strives to enrich student’s learning all over the world, starting in the three places which he calls home.
“I think, like, just continuing to have an impact everywhere that I am, and every place that feels special to me, which right now is, you know, Indiana, [Toronto] and then, where I’m from, Cameroon.
Through PS43’s collaboration with DMZ he has been able to see aspirations become reality.
“We’re going to hear stories about how many kids [the start-ups] helped. And for me, that’s the main goal, because, at the end of the day, it’s all about helping and having something in education that’s gonna, again, help the whole next generation. I’m super excited about that opportunity…We have cohort two that’s coming up, so we’re hoping that, you know, that’s going to get even better.”
Siakam commends educators, like principal Lorraine Van Zon of Bishop Macdonell Catholic School, for their tenacious dedication to their students and championing start-ups such as Cyber Legends and English Islands, which were among the first to benefit from the engine.
“They’re creating something great, you know, for our kids, and to have the support of, you know, the board and in our school district, like, it’s super important and for us, we just want to continue to make a difference in 10 years.”
While he did not share the exact details, Siakam revealed to The Brandon Gonez Show that his foundation has more exciting projects in the works, especially in Indiana and Cameroon.
Fans can watch Siakam and the short-handed Indiana Pacers take on the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.
