OREANDA-NEWS. Today, as part of President Barack Obama’s Leaders’ Summit on Refugees, HP Inc. announced a commitment to open new HP Learning Studios in the Middle East. HP will work with Digital Promise Global, the Global Business Coalition for Education, Microsoft and Intel to establish centers equipped with computer systems and teacher training services to give refugee students access to the latest education technology and provide adults with the opportunity to learn essential business and IT skills.

This week, HP also committed to provide technology and HP LIFE training resources to the International Medical Corps Livelihoods Center pilot in Istanbul, Turkey.  As part of this initiative, HP will make online freelance opportunities available to refugees.  In addition, HP agreed to support the opening of two Lynke and Blue Rose Compass tech centers for refugees, also in the Middle East. These centers will provide training and support for refugees in app design and other technical work.  In total, HP is committing more than US$1 million in technology and training support to help refugees, alleviate poverty, and improve the lives of more than 100,000 people in the coming year.

“The refugee community is full of untapped potential, but is challenged with growing those talents and skills due to a lack of access to technology and the digital world,” explained Nate Hurst, HP Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer. “By opening these new HP Learning Studios and supporting a variety of initiatives, HP is empowering refugees to build a better, more prosperous life through access to quality education and employment opportunities.”

HP Learning Studios will be equipped with its latest technologies, including HP Sprout, a fully integrated desktop 3D scanning solution with 3D object capture, editing and multiple streamlined 3D print options, and x360 convertible PCs powered by Windows 10, along with a Dremel 3D Printer.  The core curriculum will be powered by HP LIFE e-Learning courses, which include 25 online modules on essential business and IT skills in seven languages. As part of this effort, HP will support the creation of additional free online courses and curated content specifically designed to help refugees develop the skills and expertise necessary for freelancing and ecommerce. 

"We are looking forward to collaborating with HP on this important effort, sharing our expertise to bring innovative, high-quality learning experiences to refugee students,” said Karen Cator, CEO of Digital Promise Global. 

This new commitment builds on HP’s ongoing effort to aid in the refugee crisis. In June 2016, HP was among the first 15 private sector companies to join the White House Call to Action. As part of this pledge, HP committed to working with the administration to drive new, measurable and significant commitments that will have a durable impact on refugees.  For more information on HP’s most recent work to aid refugees, including the Global Alliance Institute, Girl’s Truth Seekers Education Project, USAID and UNIDO, please visit the HP Newsroom.

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