Otis Expands Little Engineers STEM Program Globally
Otis Worldwide Corporation, the leader in the manufacturing and servicing of elevators and escalators, is making a significant move to broaden the reach of its Little Engineers program. This initiative, designed to inspire young minds everywhere, aims to engage primary school students in hands-on STEM learning focused on elevators and escalators. Originally launched in Hong Kong SAR, the Little Engineers program has successfully reached over 800 students in Greater China and the Asia Pacific region and is now making its way globally.
What Is Little Engineers?
The Little Engineers program functions as an interactive education initiative that teaches students not just the technicalities of elevators and escalators, but also emphasizes their safety and historical relevance. The program includes hands-on activities where students can build mini-elevators and pulley systems through engaging lessons and virtual visits.
Expanding Horizons
The recent global expansion of the program reflects Otis’ commitment to fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among youth. The initiative is not only about education—it amplifies community engagement by encouraging Otis employees to volunteer as Little Engineers mentors. Recently, Otis expanded this initiative into the Middle East, collaborating with local organizations to deliver valuable learning experiences.
In Saudi Arabia, volunteers from Otis partnered with the Jeddah Orphans Association, providing crucial STEM experiences to children eager for knowledge. Similarly, in Sharjah, UAE, they introduced the program to 50 students at the Sharjah Indian School, engaging them in meaningful, hands-on learning.
Engaging Young Learners
Through this program, students explore the engineering behind vertical mobility technologies. By participating in interactive lessons and working on practical projects, they gain a foundational understanding of how elevators function and the importance of safety during rides. This kind of education not only lays the groundwork for future learning but also makes the field of engineering relatable and exciting for young learners.
Matt Turner, Vice President of Social Impact at Otis, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "This global expansion reflects Otis' commitment to engaging meaningfully in the communities we serve. Programs like Little Engineers not only help young people discover the excitement of STEM but also familiarize them with elevator systems and safety tips. We want to ignite early interest in engineering's creative aspects and real-world applications."
Complementing Other Initiatives
The Little Engineers initiative works in parallel with Otis' primary social impact program, Made to Move Communities. While Made to Move Communities caters to older students seeking innovation-driven problem-solving experiences, Little Engineers serves the younger demographic, making STEM education accessible through exploration-driven learning.
The global outreach of Otis’ Little Engineers program demonstrates the company's dedication to fostering the next generation of innovators. The initiative aligns with its core values of safety, innovation, and community involvement.
For more information about the Little Engineers program and Otis' footprint in vertical mobility education, visit
www.otis.com.
About Otis
Otis is a company committed to enhancing connectivity in a vertical world. As the foremost manufacturer, installer, and servicer of elevators and escalators, Otis is integral to moving 2.4 billion people daily. With a workforce of 72,000 strong, including 44,000 field professionals, the company operates worldwide to meet the expanding needs of urbanizing environments. Whether in iconic skyscrapers or vital transport hubs, Otis innovates to ensure the safest, most reliable vertical transportation possible.
This initiative exemplifies the thoughtful outreach made possible by Otis as it expands its horizons in both business and community engagement, making STEM education a reachable goal for future generations.