Jordan Brand Introduces the Creative Combine STEM Workshop for Bay Area Youth

In the heart of Silicon Valley, a hub of technological innovation, many Oakland and San Francisco youth face a stark reality: Despite being surrounded by tech giants, they’re often disconnected from the opportunities and resources these companies provide.

It’s with this challenge in mind that Jordan Brand is announcing the launch of its Creative Combine, a dynamic STEM.AI experience designed to introduce students to the worlds of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, artistry and imagination.

Launched in partnership with Urban Ed Academy, a Jordan Brand Black Community Commitment grantee, the program will focus on reaching 1,000 middle and high school students in Oakland and San Francisco over the coming year — providing the next generation hands-on experience with design thinking, sneaker design and virtual reality technology. Led by Jordan Brand experts under the guidance of Urban Ed Academy, the program is engineered to help students develop a deeper understanding of the intersection of design, technology and STEM.AI.

“STEM.AI education has a profound and multifaceted impact, boosting economic growth, fostering innovation, and developing crucial 21st-century skills in students,” says Shauncey Mashia Stelly, Director of Purpose, Jordan Brand. “It prepares students for the future job market and equips them with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and cultivates a spirit of creativity and innovation. Through this partnership with Urban Ed Academy, we are creating opportunities for young people to grow and become confident in their greatness.”

Jordan Brand will preview the Creative Combine program as part of its NBA All-Star Weekend festivities February 15 at Fam Fest at the Alameda Navy Yard, familiarizing students with the world of STEM.AI through hands-on activities and interactive learning in a workshop led by Jordan Brand Chief Design Officer Jason Mayden.

Bay Area youth will explore the Jordan Brand space to gain insight into the Brand’s design process, history and culture of innovation, setting the tone for the immersive STEM.AI experience by introducing them to a professional environment that merges creativity and technology.

“I’m incredibly proud to be leading a team of talented designers who are passionate about giving back to the community,” says Mayden. “Our yearlong commitment to the Creative Combine program is a unique opportunity for us to share our skills and expertise with the next generation of creatives. This program is a perfect example of how design can be a powerful tool for social impact, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

With the full Creative Combine experience launching in late summer or early fall, Jordan Brand aims to provide a platform for Bay Area youth to explore, learn and create with technology — empowering them to become active participants in the tech ecosystem and to unlock the doors to a brighter future. 

“We are thrilled to announce a yearlong partnership with Jordan Brand to help close the digital divide for Oakland and San Francisco youth,” says Dr. Kai Matthews, Executive Director, Urban Ed Academy. “We’re excited to offer this program to the students in the classes we support, providing them with the skills and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Through this partnership, we’re not only bridging the technology gap but also empowering the next generation of leaders to harness the power of technology to create positive change in their communities.”

Learn more about the Creative Combine and Jordan Brand’s work with UrbanEd here.