Community initiative supports local teachers, sparks student interest in technology
CARY, N.C., Sep. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —Â Teachers across the country often dip into their own pockets to cover classroom needs, with STEM educators spending as much as $1,000 annually, according to the National Education Association. To help ease that burden, data and AI leader SAS and the YMCA of the Triangle are gathering funds to purchase school supplies supporting STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.
The online STEM donation drive runs from Sept. 24 to Oct. 12 and serves as a central charitable focus of the 25th annual  SAS Championship, set for Oct. 6-12 at Prestonwood Country Club. Funds will help the YMCA of the Triangle purchase STEM supplies for community schools in need.
Alongside its signature 54-hole competition featuring golf legends, the SAS Championship – one of the premier stops on the PGA Tour Champions circuit – offers a full lineup of community activities, including the HBCU Invitational, Women’s Day, Folds of Honor Friday, a 5K, Food Truck Friday and Fairway to Fun. Happening Friday, Oct. 10 from 4–8 p.m., Fairway to Fun is a family event that will include an AI-focused experience zone with interactive activities and prizes including a spectacular 25th anniversary firework celebration. Families completing the Fairway to Fun round will also receive a free one-week YMCA pass. Guests can enjoy food from local favorites such as Cousins Maine Lobster, Barone Italian Grille, Arepa Culture NC, La Katrina Tacos, Bo’s Kitchen, Mister Softee and Holy Fries.
“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the SAS Championship, we’re reminded that this tournament is more than just golf – it’s about giving back and strengthening our community,” said Jenn Chase, SAS Chief Marketing Officer. “Last year’s launch of Fairway to Fun was a wonderful extension of that tradition, showing kids and families how AI and data can unlock creativity and problem-solving. We have some new activities planned this year while also providing the opportunity to inspire future innovators through our STEM education donation drive.”
Since its launch 25 years ago, the SAS Championship has partnered with the YMCA of the Triangle to direct more than $6 million to youth education programs, including the Y Learning program. This amount includes SAS’ long-standing annual donation to support Y Learning with $220,000 being donated for the 2025 event. This year’s emphasis on STEM further reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to education, innovation and community engagement.
“The generosity of SAS Championship fans directly impacts our Y Learning students and teachers,” said Kim Keith, Vice President of Youth Development at YMCA of the Triangle. “These supplies relieve pressure on educators and help ensure every student has what they need to succeed.”
The SAS Championship has become a tradition not only for world-class golf but also for its deep community investment. Highlights of this year’s charitable and educational efforts include:
- HBCU Invitational (Oct. 10-12): Now in its fourth year, the tournament welcomes 16 teams from 12 historically Black colleges and universities competing for $30,000 in honorariums from SAS for their golf programs. Students also attend a Career Day at SAS headquarters in Cary for networking, mentorship and career exploration.
- Women’s Day (Oct. 7): This 12th annual event offers inspiring sessions on health, mindset and leadership under the theme “Power in Progress.” This program is centered on leadership, growth, reinvention and adapting to a rapidly changing world – highlighting mindset shifts, tech transformation and the ongoing journey of progress.
- Folds of Honor Friday (Oct. 10): A moving tribute to service members and first responders, featuring ceremonies, patriotic displays and 13 scholarships awarded to local students. SAS also contributes $30,000 towards Folds of Honor’s to fund life-changing scholarships to families of Americaʼs fallen or disabled military and first responders.
“The impact of the SAS Championship, touching so many parts of our community while reaching a global audience, is a tradition we can all be proud of,” said Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor of Cary. “It is an honor to be one of the longest-tenured communities on the PGA Tour Champions and a joy for us all to witness a quarter of a century of golf legends playing through Cary at beautiful Prestonwood each year.”
Learn how you can help local STEM students succeed and be a part of the SAS Championship fun.
About the SAS Championship
For 25 years, the SAS Championship has provided countless memories for fans and attendees young and old as golfing legends have walked the fairways of Prestonwood Country Club, battling for one of the largest purses on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Recent champions have included World Golf Hall of Famers Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie. The tournament partners with the YMCA of the Triangle as the host charity, and in those 25 years, more than $6 million has been donated to area youth educational initiatives. Championship week includes events to bring the community together, including the Championship 5K, Women’s Day, Food Truck Friday, Folds of Honor Friday and the HBCU Invitational.
About the YMCA of the Triangle
The YMCA of the Triangle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served Raleigh, Durham, Cary and the broader region since 1857. Today, the YMCA operates 19 facility branches across Wake, Chatham, Durham, Orange, Johnston and Lee counties, along with three overnight camps: Camp Kanata in Wake Forest, and Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer in Pamlico County. More than 235,000 children, families and adults engage with the Y as members, campers, volunteers and donors, finding connection, purpose and community. In 2024, thanks to more than $10.9 million in philanthropic support, the Y expanded access and opportunity for more than 25,000 people through its programs and services.
About SAS
SAS is a global leader in data and AI. With SAS software and industry-specific solutions, organizations transform data into trusted decisions. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.
SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2025 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.
Editorial Contact:
Kris Balic
Kris.Balic@sas.com
919-531-0624
sas.com/news
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