PRESS RELEASE:
Local effort in Asheville part of national $1 million commitment and volunteer program
About the Event: As part of its $1 million commitment with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), U.S. Cellular is rallying associates across the country to serve as volunteers and mentors at their local Clubs.
On Thursday, April 21, numerous U.S. Cellular volunteers from the greater Asheville area will take part in a celebration activity as they spruce up the gym at the Club on Haywood Road and then end the day with some games with the students.
Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Buncombe County received $5,000 from U.S. Cellular for expanded Academic Success programming, with an emphasis on promoting literacy, STEM learning, and career exploration and preparation.
Interviews:
Haley Shealy, Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Buncombe County
Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Buncombe County students
U.S. Cellular associates
When: Thursday, April 21
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(Note this is time students will be on site)
Where: Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Buncombe County
750 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC
Why: STEM education is critical to the ultimate success of our young people as STEM jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow nearly twice as fast as other fields by 2018. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of both interested and adequately prepared K-12 students in STEM subjects, especially among young women and minority youth. Research shows that out-of-school programs, like those offered at Boys & Girls Clubs, are effective in stimulating youth interest in STEM-related careers.
About the
Partnership:
In 2015, U.S. Cellular joined with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to honor their commitment of building better communities by championing K-12 and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational programs. U.S. Cellular contributed $1 million in 2015, and renewed their commitment with an additional $1 million in 2016.
Through the renewed commitment, U.S. Cellular will support academic programming at 57 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country this year, with an emphasis on promoting literacy, STEM learning, and career exploration and preparation. To enhance academic achievement among youth, U.S. Cellular also engages its associates in ongoing volunteer opportunities, such as mentoring and hands-on learning experiences at local Clubs.
To expand their impact with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2016, U.S. Cellular employees will help increase youth understanding of engineering and technology.
The Boys and Girls Club is a great organization. This is a great and exciting partnership.
Congrats to all involved for the wonderful collaboration.