International Day of Education: Cummins powers pathways to education and career success

In recognition of the indisputable role that education plays in advancing global peace, sustainability and unity, since 2019, the United Nations has recognized January 24 as the International Day of Education. The day is a call to action for governments, corporations, communities and individuals to help address some of the world’s most intractable problems by supporting high-quality educational experiences for all.  

This global observance is aligned to Cummins READY, Cummins’ comprehensive, STEM-focused education strategy designed to power the pathway to education and career success. Cummins READY aims to support at least one million learners and workers in communities where our employees live and work by the year 2030.

Despite gains, substantial work remains

International Day of Education also highlights the meaningful progress made on key education indicators over the last several decades. For example, the percentage of young children enrolled in early childhood programs has increased considerably and in most places around the world, education is seen as a fundamental right. 

However, despite these gains, research shows that there are still significant barriers to educational access, achievement and attainment. According to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, approximately 250 million school-aged children are not enrolled in a formal learning program and nearly 160 million adults worldwide have never had a formal educational experience. 

Enhancing Cummins’ commitment to education 

Education is one of Cummins’ three global priority areas for community engagement, using the skills of our employees to increase educational opportunity around the globe.

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"Education has always been a priority area for Cummins. We try always to do our part to help more learners and workers realize the promise of a high-quality education,” said Jim Schacht - Vice President, Corporate Responsibility

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Cummins celebrated International Day of Education by launching three new partnerships designed to promote educational excellence.

• Cummins READY Europe launched with a regional webinar featuring Cummins leaders and speakers from two new nonprofit partners, STEM Learning UK and Scientix. Over the next two years, these organizations will provide high-quality STEM learning experiences to more than 70,000 students. 
• Cummins employees in Hispanic America hosted two webinars focused on technology and sustainability with INCO, an organization dedicated to advancing equal access to economic opportunity by upskilling the workforce of tomorrow. Cummins’ partnership with INCO, which spans multiple Cummins’ regions, will provide free, in-demand workforce credentials to 4,000 young adults from under resourced communities. 
• Equipment for Education, a new Cummins program that supports technical education and training, was also unveiled. Through the program, Cummins employees partner with schools in their local communities and provide them with Cummins engines and tools. The program is being piloted in North America and Hispanic America this year and will be implemented globally in 2026.