Florida Panthers President and CEOMatt Caldwelland Florida Panthers Owner Vincent J. Viola were inspired to make the donation by a tour of the Plantation-based technology startup facilitated by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.
Magic Leap, headquartered in Plantation, Fla., launched its first device, the Magic Leap One in 2018. The lightweight wearable computer seamlessly blends the digital and physical worlds, allowing digital content to coexist with the real world around you.
Viola said, "Our local students need opportunities to learn and experiment with this revolutionary technology, which is headquartered right here in Broward County. If we want to compete in a very competitive and connected global economy, then we need to provide tools for our future workforce, and the Panthers are proud to make that commitment."
In addition to the 25 headsets donated by the Florida Panthers Foundation, Magic Leap has contributed an additional five devices to ensure broad-reaching impact in the community. "This is just the beginning of a great partnership with Broward County Public Schools, and one that we look forward to nurturing," said Carlos Penzini, SVP of People for Magic Leap.
"This generous donation is an example of the kind of public-private partnerships we need to create opportunities for our students," said Robert Runcie, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools. "We are grateful and enthusiastically applaud the Florida Panthers Foundation as an organization that recognizes how important our schools are to the economy and to the quality of life in Broward County."
"It's exciting to see business, technology and education leaders partner to provide an extraordinary learning opportunity for our local students," said Bob Swindell, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. "Our thanks to the Panthers Foundation and Magic Leap for inspiring and equipping the next generation of tech developers in Broward County Public Schools."
The Florida Panthers Foundation benefits the South Florida community by focusing on four priority areas: building the game of hockey for children and youth, supporting health and education initiatives for children, advocating for and supporting veterans' issues, and raising awareness about the endangered Florida Panther.
Broward County Public Schools is Florida's first fully accredited school system and has more than 271,000 students - and 175,000 adult students - in 234 schools, centers, technical colleges and 88 charter schools. It has the largest debate program in the United States which helps prepare its students for success. In addition, BCPS has the largest JROTC program in the country with a program in every traditional high school and more than 7,500 students participating. The graduating cadets of 2016 averaged a 99% graduation rate with 84% attendance to colleges and universities or admission to the Armed Forces.
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance is Broward County's official public/private partnership for economic development. Its mission is to lead Broward County in building a stronger and more diverse economy by stimulating the creation of new jobs and capital investment while facilitating the growth and retention of businesses in Broward County. Services offered by the Alliance include assistance with business relocation or expansion and site selection; incentive programs and information; market research; and serving as a liaison for workforce development between CareerSource Broward, educational institutions and the business community.
