U.S. Cellular, Boys & Girls Clubs partner to improve STEM education, career exploration

Submitted

U.S. Cellular and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Clinch Valley in Oak Ridge announced a donation of $5,000 for 2016 science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, programming.

This contribution will expand efforts to help Oak Ridge students succeed in school and prepare for future careers, a press release said. Together with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, U.S. Cellular is committed to building better communities by championing K-12 educational programs.

This is the second year U.S. Cellular will support academic programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Clinch Valley and nearly 60 additional club locations this year, with an emphasis on promoting literacy, STEM learning, and career exploration and preparation, the press release said.

“U.S. Cellular’s ongoing commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a reflection of our dedication to big and small cities, as well as rural communities we serve across the country,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “As we enter our second year, we are excited to continue to work with this organization to focus on STEM programming, as it is an important way to help youth develop relevant career and leadership skills.”

Supported programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Clinch Valley include educational and academic success programs, such as Youth of the Year.

“It is our mission to help youth achieve success in all areas of life,” said Jennifer Pettyjohn, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Clinch Valley. “With support from U.S. Cellular, we hope to inspire interest in important STEM subjects, continuing education initiatives and presentation, and interview skills that will translate into careers in STEM or any sustainable career path.”

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 further expand their impact, U.S. Cellular associates are once again participating in National Volunteer Month in April with the company’s annual “Month of Giving” program. After surpassing last year’s inaugural goal of 30,000 volunteer hours, U.S. Cellular announced a goal of 35,000 volunteer hours for 2016.

U.S. Cellular has a longstanding commitment to the community and education and has contributed more than $8.35 million to local educational programming since 2009, the press release said.

For more information, visit uscellular.com/communityinvolvement.

Visit here to learn more about the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Clinch Valley.