Tag: 3BL

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

TOGETHER, WE CHANGE LIVES

Today we’re bringing you the latest quarterly giving series from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation to highlight the great work being done in support of our mission to help inspire and enable youth sports participation.

In our second quarter of 2023, we:

Launched phase two of our Sports Change Lives campaign to showcase the transformative power of sport through athletes’ personal stories.Distributed over 540 grants in 38 states to help give over 153,000 youth athletes the chance to play.Collected more than $3.4 million from athletes during in-store purchases to help us continue giving back.

Read on to learn more. 

75FOR75

The DICK’S Foundation continues to present $75,000 grants to youth athletic programs across the country as part of the 75for75 Sports Matter Program. Here are some of our 75for75 recipients from our second quarter.

COLUMBUS ICE: COLUMBUS, OH

The mission is to Inspire Children to Excellence (ICE). Michael and Maree Whitlow founded Columbus ICE in 2009 to promote health, education and teamwork through sport to under-resourced communities. This past May, the youth football organization received a 75for75 grant.

“This grant will do so much for our community,” said coach Michael Whitlow. “Just knowing that we’re going to have access to change lives and continue to live our mission is incredible.”

Read more and watch the video here.

A STEP BEYOND: ESCONDIDO, CA

A Step Beyond isn’t just a dance program for children. It’s a safe space and guiding road. The organization gets students involved in the third grade and keeps them engaged through high school graduation by offering free after-school dance classes, academic support and family and social services.

“Dance is a beautiful and powerful way of preparing youth for success in life,” said James Wright, CEO of A Step Beyond.

A Step Beyond was surprised with a 75for75 grant in June during fits annual dance recital. Wright said A Step Beyond will use the $75,000 to bring additional students into the program.

Read more and watch the video here.

VERTUS HIGH SCHOOL: ROCHESTER, NY

Vertus High School is unlike any other. The non-profit all-boys public charter school works year-round to achieve its mission of “preparing leaders of character” by focusing on character growth, academics and athletics, and providing strong one-on-one mentoring to help each student succeed.

In June, the athletic department at the school was awarded a 75for75 grant. The $75,000 will be used to create bigger and safer athletic training facilities that will allow Vertus to hold two gym classes simultaneously.

75FOR75 TEAMS UP WITH ATHLETES

In June, DICK’S Sporting Goods partnered with 10 Nike and Jordan athletes for the second phase of our Sports Change Lives campaign. It’s our first-ever collaboration on an ad campaign of this caliber!

The athletes not only shared personal stories about how sports transformed their lives, but they also each nominated a youth sports organization for a $75,000 Sports Matter Grant to help provide more youth athletes from all communities greater access to play.

Watch here as the athletes learned about the opportunity to provide these grants and help change lives!

COLLABORATIONS TO CHANGE LIVES

GIVING EVERY GIRL THE CHANCE TO RUN

This year, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Brooks Running will collectively donate $500,000 through the Empower Her Collection to The DICK’S Foundation’s Sports Matter Program!

DICK’S and Brooks together will donate $1 for every pair of socks, $5 for apparel and $10 for every pair of shoes featuring the Sports Matter logo sold through the end of the year to support youth running programs across the U.S.

FUELING THE FUTURE

For the second year in a row, Gatorade’s Fuel Tomorrow initiative is collaborating with The DICK’S Foundation. Gatorade is donating $500,000 to support our Sports Matter Program.

DICK’S Community Marketing Managers are working with the Gatorade G Force team in 31 markets across the country to break down barriers in sports and provide opportunities to play.

THESE MOMENTS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPORTS MATTER FUND. IF YOU’D LIKE TO DONATE, VISIT WWW.SPORTSMATTER.ORG.

For 2024, New Holland Agriculture, a brand of CNH Industrial, is introducing the first all-electric utility tractor with autonomous features: the T4 Electric Power. The T4 Electric Power tractor addresses current farming challenges, such as increased total cost ownership and labor shortage, while delivering upon New Holland’s unwavering commitment to help customers build more sustainable agriculture for this generation and beyond.

“This tractor is a significant step forward for growers, producers and municipalities. The T4 Electric Power addresses a number of challenges they are facing everyday on their operations,” states Lena Bioni, product marketing manager for New Holland Agriculture North America. “What New Holland is bringing to our farmers is a convergence of technology – electric propulsion, autonomous features, better performance – in the body of a utility tractor that’s setting the stage for a more efficient, sustainable and resilient future our customers are striving for.”

The T4 Electric Power was designed by CNH Industrial engineering in the United States (Burr Ridge, Ill., Detroit) and Italy (Modena) with state-of-the-art features and components aimed at durability, long service life and improved uptime.

Coined “the style of sustainability” by Bioni, the T4 Electric Power tractor is a fashionable yet functional demonstration of the CNH Industrial’s commitment to sustainable goals and the future of the environment.

The tractor is anticipated to be commercially available in North America with select dealers in early 2024. To explore the T4 Electric Power tractor and learn more about New Holland’s Clean Energy Leader strategy, visit agriculture.newholland.com.

Climate change can impact our timberlands and operations in both negative and positive ways. Impacts are more likely to be opportunities, leveraging the benefits of forests and wood products as natural climate solutions.

Forest-based climate solutions play a critical role as a solution to climate change through the removal and storage of carbon and the role of wood fiber as a biogenic energy source in the transition to a circular bioeconomy. As a result, several potential transition opportunities are emerging for sustainably managed forests.

Voluntary offset markets for carbon emissions are likely to continue to grow as companies rely on offsetting projects to achieve GHG reduction targets by mitigating some of their emissions. As demand for carbon credits grows, voluntary markets that are large, transparent, and verifiable are developing. Regulatory landscapes and market frameworks are evolving, which could build confidence in the use of forest carbon offsets to support a company’s transition to net-zero. As demand increases, pricing for carbon offsets from sustainably managed forests are improving, resulting in viable options to establish an offset through improved forest management practices.

Demand for carbon capture and storage (CCS) is expanding as a technology that can capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and store them underground. Market opportunities for CCS are emerging in locations with suitable geological formations.

The emerging momentum for mass timber in tall buildings exemplifies how innovation in wood products can provide opportunities. Developers and architects are attracted to the ability to incorporate the sustainability and carbon storage benefits of mass timber and its aesthetic appeal in non-residential and multifamily buildings. Policies and incentives that encourage greater use of wood-based building materials and emphasis on green building certification are increasing.

Markets utilizing biomass sourced from sustainably managed forests are expanding as new bio-based products emerge ranging from bioplastics to biofuel. These are expanding market demand for forest biomass and for residual wood fiber from wood product manufacturing, a portion of which otherwise could go to waste. Net-zero transition commitments combined with circularity-oriented policies is driving growth of these bio-based materials for end uses such as food packaging, consumer goods, aviation fuels, and biopower.

More stringent climate mitigation-related regulatory requirements regarding air, water, or waste may require operational upgrades. In addition, the net-zero transition could result in higher energy costs.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “continue,” “likely,” “could,” “can,” “may,” “potential,” “achieve,” “target,” “commitment,” and similar expressions and references to achievement of objectives in the future are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  These statements reflect management’s views of future events based on estimates and assumptions and are therefore subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, and are not guarantees of future conduct, results, or policies.  Please view the Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information on page 134 of PotlatchDeltic’s 2022 ESG Report.

The commitment to responsible water stewardship is shared across our organization. In 2022, our facilities continued to leverage new technologies and innovative conservation strategies to help reduce our consumption, preserve local water supplies, and improve water quality.

Seeing an opportunity to better conserve water on site, our Crane, Texas, plant took action to safeguard the local water supply. The plant, located in a water-stressed area, introduced dewatering agents into its process to allow water to be released more quickly from the sand and to prevent excess water loss. As a result, Crane now recycles approximately 97% of water used in its operations.

Team Members at our Canoitas, Coahuila, plant contributed to our water conservation efforts by investing in new technology to improve access to real-time water use data, as well as installing a new piping system to enhance recycling capabilities.

At our Zacatlán, Puebla, mine, we maintain two surface-water systems, providing 800 local residents with access to clean water. Additionally, in partnership with the Zacatlán Municipal Government, the State Government of Puebla, the National Forestry Commission, and the Drinking Water Operating System, we are committed to reforesting by planting more than one million trees over the next three years in aquifer recharge areas to increase the supply of groundwater to the region.

Our Dividing Creek, New Jersey, site added a water line to its crude bin storage facility, which directs excess water for immediate reuse in the plant, resulting in less fresh water required. The site, in partnership with the local municipality, also helped remove a dam located in a local waterway, returning the stream to the Delaware Bay Watershed and restoring the Maurice River Bluffs to its natural condition.

Water conservation remains a particularly high priority for us given its importance to our local communities and the water intensive nature of our operations. For more information about Covia’s water conservation objectives, visit our 2022 ESG Report.

September 21, 2023 /3BL/ – As National Hispanic Heritage Month commences, SkysTheLimit.org proudly highlights the remarkable journey of Gerene Keesler, the visionary founder of Admissions Untangled, who is leaving an indelible mark on the lives of students who think and learn differently.

Gerene’s career, spanning over three decades in higher education, is illuminated by her unwavering passion and dedication. Armed with a Master of Science in Counseling and a certificate in College Counseling, she has leveraged her vast knowledge to empower students to navigate the often complex academic landscape successfully.

What makes Gerene’s journey even more inspiring is her own personal journey living with multiple disabilities. Her unique perspective has ignited a fierce commitment to aiding students like herself in achieving their academic dreams. She is on a mission to provide the resources and support necessary for her students to thrive.

Bo Ghirardelli, Co-Founder & CEO of Sky’s the Limit, expressed admiration for Gerene’s accomplishments, stating, “Gerene Keesler’s dedication to empowering students who think and learn differently is truly commendable. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship. We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on her during National Hispanic Heritage Month.”

She credits her Sky’s the Limit mentors, Jagadish Velagapudi, Sr. Director, Technology Client Account Executive at Accenture, and Brian Buonaiuto, Broker Owner at NextHome, with playing pivotal roles in her entrepreneurial journey.

Under their guidance, Gerene optimized her website, expanded her online presence, and increased her client base and revenue. One notable improvement was the addition of informative and well-crafted blogs to her website, driving higher SEO rankings and increasing visibility to potential clients. Gerene’s innovative approach of offering smaller increments of service hours is attracting a broader range of clients.

Gerene Keesler’s success story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and a powerful testament to the transformative potential of mentorship. With a resolute mission to help students who think and learn differently discover the right college fit, Gerene continues to make a profound impact on countless lives.

Read more about Gerene Keesler’s remarkable journey here.

Sky’s the Limit offers opportunities for traditionally marginalized entrepreneurs – typically those who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, women, veterans, disabled people, and people from low-income backgrounds – to connect with mentors to come together to foster, grow, and shape modern and future enterprise. The organization has also provided over $450,000 in startup grants and educated tens of thousands of diverse entrepreneurs.

For more information about partnerships and how to get involved, please visit skysthelimit.org/partnerships.

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About SkysTheLimit.org: SkysTheLimit.org is a digital platform that connects young, historically excluded entrepreneurs with one-on-one support from experienced business advisors and mentors, entrepreneurship training, and community-voted startup grants. SkysTheLimit.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. 

Originally published on Built From Scratch

ATLANTA, September 21, 2023 /3BL/ – The Home Depot recognized innovations in home improvement that make tackling projects easier and more efficient for the Pro and DIYer at its annual 2023 Innovation Awards.

The 2023 top winners include:

Overall Winner: Decora Edge™ by Leviton makes installing light switches and outlets faster, safer and more efficient. Color-coded levers help to easily identify the correct terminal for wiring, and an audible click gives extra confidence with every installation.First Runner Up: Ecolab Scientific Clean Line brings the cleaning solutions trusted to clean and sanitize some of the world’s largest hotels, healthcare facilities and restaurants to Home Depot customers’ homes. Bath cleaners, degreasers, floorcare and pressure wash cleaners in Ecolab’s Scientific Clean line are backed by a team of 1,200 scientists and technical specialists.Second Runner Up: Glidden Cool Touch Exterior Floor Paint keeps porches, patios, pool decks, and walkways cooler. Available in tintable stain or paint, Glidden Cool Touch reduces surface temperature by up to 20% compared to products of a similar color using its Cool Surface Technology.

“Our pipeline of product innovation is stronger in every category thanks to our outstanding suppliers,” said Billy Bastek, executive vice president of merchandising at The Home Depot. “We’re thrilled with this year’s winners and their commitment to providing our DIY and Pro customers with first access to the newest and most compelling products to help them improve their homes.”

In addition to the top three winners, The Home Depot recognized the following finalists for their high marks in product innovation:

Husky Rechargeable Flashlights help to illuminate any space for longer periods. With long-lasting rechargeable batteries and the ability to use alkaline batteries for emergencies, these flashlights feature a Twist-to-Focus head for a narrow spotlight or wide flood light.The KAP-IT Sprinkler Riser makes raising your sprinkler easier. A Pro can raise an average of 5 sprinkler heads per hour using traditional risers, but with KAP-IT, they can average 20 heads per hour.Kohler Extra Tall Toilet provides enhanced comfort and easy accessibility in the bathroom. Without sacrificing flushing power, the 1.28-gallon flush setting saves up to 16,500 gallons per year compared to older 3.5-gallon toilets.Makita XGT 40V line of 40V power tools offers powerful battery-powered Pro-grade tools. The 40V tools bring the power of gas to jobsites in a cordless platform.The Ridgid Flexshaft is a quick and efficient solution that leaves pipes clean and free-flowing. It helps Pros move faster from job to job and can deliver wall-to-wall clean by clearing blockages in 1-1⁄4″ to 2″ lines.Ryobi 80V Zero Turn Riding Mower and Riding Lawn Tractor brings together easy maintenance with power and new technology. Ryobi 80V HP technology delivers the power equivalent of up to a 42-horsepower gasoline engine without the hassle of gas, oil, or regular engine maintenance. The patented Cross Cut Multi-Blade System uses up to 6 total blades to achieve a superior cut that eliminates clumping and creates a better-looking lawn.TrafficMaster Sheet Vinyl brings the beautiful look of wood grain or stone at an incredible value. The proprietary printing process with multiple inks and embossing creates realistic textures on vinyl plank.

In conjunction with the Innovation Awards, The Home Depot honored suppliers in several categories:

Environmental Partner of the Year: Clorox/GladInterconnected Partner of the Year: Evolutions FlooringMarketing Innovation Partner of the Year: BehrSupplier Diversity Partner of the Year: Pure Beauty Farms

Partners of the Year are listed by product category below:

Appliances: MideaBuilding Materials: US GypsumDécor/Storage/Organization: Great StarElectrical/Lighting: Feit ElectricFlooring: PolyloomHardware: PrimeSourceIndoor Garden: RyobiKitchens & Bath: CambriaLumber: Sierra Pacific IndustriesMillworks: MasoniteOutdoor Garden: Bell NurseriesPaint: W.M. BarrPlumbing: MilwaukeeTools: Milwaukee

The Home Depot’s 2023 Innovation Award winners and finalists are available online and in stores today. For more information, visit www.homedepot.com/innovation.

Keep up with all the latest Home Depot news! Subscribe to our bi-weekly news update and get the top Built from Scratch stories delivered straight to your inbox.

 

In today’s turbulent business landscape, it’s no secret that leaders are facing mounting challenges and disruptions. The hybrid work era, the growing skills gap, and the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution are all drastically impacting how we think about work now and in the future. On top of this, global crises like climate change have put pressure on organizations to reevaluate policies and practices and establish new social contracts with their workers, supply chain partners, and communities.

Today, both employees and consumers hold organizations to higher standards. Just as consumers want to spend their money with companies they trust and believe in, employees want to earn theirs from an organization that aligns with their values. In fact, almost 70% of people report that they wouldn’t work for a company that doesn’t have a strong purpose.

Business success is no longer measured by profit alone – instead, it’s defined by the impact an organization has on every part of its ecosystem. People sustainability – the intersection of employee engagement and corporate responsibility – is critical to building a future-ready workforce and requires an organization to consider the policies and experiences of people across their entire value chain. A comprehensive people sustainability strategy can help increase overall environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics, drive business outcomes, and build a better, brighter future.

Good for People, Good for Business

People create new business models, lead critical initiatives, and effect change. With a people-first approach, organizations are more resilient, more capable, more innovative, and more motivated to deliver on sustainability goals.

As the “people” experts, HR plays an important role in driving people sustainability. And with the right technology in place, it can start to take a more unified approach to people-centered initiatives. This looks like: tapping into new and diverse talent pools, empowering employees to learn and grow throughout the employee lifecycle, and creating a fair and equal workplace culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging. This not only benefits employees – it benefits business.

Forward-thinking organizations like MOD Pizza are already moving the needle on people sustainability. MOD’s mission goes far beyond serving delicious pizza – it believes that companies can and should be a force for good in their communities. “Our purpose is to create a place that includes everyone,” Dayna Eberhardt, chief people officer of MOD, tells SAP Chief Marketing & Solutions Officer Julia White in a recent interview for The Sustainability Challenge: Building Breakthroughs to Zero.

The key ingredient to MOD’s success is its people. MOD is not only committed to investing in its current employees through continuous learning, development, and career advancement, but it also strives to provide opportunities to those who typically face barriers to employment. This includes, for example, individuals who have formerly been incarcerated or have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Today, 99% of company-owned MOD stores have hired people with employment barriers. These hiring practices have led to a more engaged, empowered, and equitable workforce. “Our MOD Squad with barriers have a higher sense of belonging, a faster rate of promotion, and a higher retention rate,” Eberhardt says.

Opening the door to opportunity is just the first step to workplace equity, which is why MOD makes the employee experience a top priority. When outdated HR processes were slowing down its recruiting and onboarding, MOD chose SAP SuccessFactors solutions and SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition to help redefine the value of HR data and processes, empowering the company to put its 10,000 – and growing – employees who make up the MOD Squad at the heart of its business.

And this is a difference MOD’s customers can taste. “When we take care of our people, our people take care of our customers, and the business takes care of itself,” Eberhardt says.

As we move into an uncertain future, companies like MOD that are actively prioritizing people, making positive impacts on the communities they serve, and taking real steps towards zero inequality will be best positioned to meet the business needs of today and tomorrow. And by putting people at the center of business – in purpose, culture, and technology – these organizations can create a more sustainable workforce and world.

As many children throughout the U.S. head back into the classroom to start a new year of learning, we reflect on the commitment of the Applied Materials Foundation and Applied Materials to engaging youth through high-quality educational experiences.

At Applied Materials, we believe that education inspires young minds, opens new doors and paves the way to more promising futures. Putting this philosophy into action, the Applied Materials Foundation and the company invest in efforts globally that are aimed at helping students fulfill their academic potential. We prioritize projects that cultivate a child’s curiosity, encourage a growth mindset and engage kids through self-reflection and discovery. In alignment with our commitment to equity-centered community engagement, we fund organizations led by and comprised of individuals with similar life experiences to the youth they are serving.

In Austin, Texas, the Applied Materials Foundation funds the African American Youth Harvest Foundation’s (AAYHF’s) efforts to provide relevant technical training, opportunities and guidance to Austin youth. Last year, over 300 kids participated in AAYHF’s year-round coding and product development programs. In Montana, the Applied Materials Foundation’s support for Kalispell Education Foundation’s teacher mini-grant program fulfilled 59 grant requests, ultimately reaching over 75 teachers and their 4,000 students. In Portland, Oregon, the Applied Materials Foundation works with College Possible to provide intensive college access programming for 400+ historically underserved Portland Metro region high school students, and in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the Foundation’s engagement with LEAP to Education helps local youth in the area prepare for college and career.

In Silicon Valley, California, the Applied Materials Foundation collaborates with SEMI Foundation to promote discovery and innovation through STEM kits and curriculum to East San José students. The Applied Materials Foundation’s support for the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix enables up to 400 elementary and middle school students from lower-income families to experience meaningful STEM education programs. And in Idaho, the Foundation’s sponsorship of the Western Idaho Science and Engineering Fair at Boise State University engages over 650 youth in inquiry-based STEM research. In addition, the Foundation’s sponsorship for Eastern New York American Chemical Society’s National Chemistry Day underwrites chemistry-focused community activities throughout the area.

Outside the U.S., Applied Materials focuses on project-based learning and expanding access for historically underserved populations. In Taiwan, corporate funding for the National Taiwan Science Education Center’s semiconductor exhibition and education program allows visitors to explore the fascinating world of semiconductors through interactive gaming with the help of multimedia and mechanical devices. In Singapore, Applied works with North East CDC Science Explorer Camp to inspire and promote innovative thinking in children through hands-on science workshops and experiments that help them develop skills and further learning. In Korea, the company collaborates with Child Fund Korea to provide experiential science education opportunities for children in community centers throughout the country. And in China, corporate funding for the Lingshan Library Project works to improve literacy rates at rural schools by providing reading resources and professional development for teachers.

In India, Applied works with Pratham Education Foundation to make science learning fun, interesting and useful for children at the Science Centers of Khalapur, Raigad in Maharashtra. In Japan, the company works with NPO Kids’ Door to provide free afterschool tutoring to students from low-income families. In Israel, corporate collaboration with the Israel Scholarship Education Foundation encourages high school students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to better understand the importance of completing high school and pursuing higher education through participatory workshops.

Whether it is encouraging student exploration through STEM kits, cultivating creativity through coding competitions or clarifying pathways to college and/or career through student-centered workshops, Applied Materials and the Applied Materials Foundation are dedicated to supporting the success of the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.

As many children throughout the U.S. head back into the classroom to start a new year of learning, we reflect on the commitment of the Applied Materials Foundation and Applied Materials to engaging youth through high-quality educational experiences.

At Applied Materials, we believe that education inspires young minds, opens new doors and paves the way to more promising futures. Putting this philosophy into action, the Applied Materials Foundation and the company invest in efforts globally that are aimed at helping students fulfill their academic potential. We prioritize projects that cultivate a child’s curiosity, encourage a growth mindset and engage kids through self-reflection and discovery. In alignment with our commitment to equity-centered community engagement, we fund organizations led by and comprised of individuals with similar life experiences to the youth they are serving.

In Austin, Texas, the Applied Materials Foundation funds the African American Youth Harvest Foundation’s (AAYHF’s) efforts to provide relevant technical training, opportunities and guidance to Austin youth. Last year, over 300 kids participated in AAYHF’s year-round coding and product development programs. In Montana, the Applied Materials Foundation’s support for Kalispell Education Foundation’s teacher mini-grant program fulfilled 59 grant requests, ultimately reaching over 75 teachers and their 4,000 students. In Portland, Oregon, the Applied Materials Foundation works with College Possible to provide intensive college access programming for 400+ historically underserved Portland Metro region high school students, and in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the Foundation’s engagement with LEAP to Education helps local youth in the area prepare for college and career.

In Silicon Valley, California, the Applied Materials Foundation collaborates with SEMI Foundation to promote discovery and innovation through STEM kits and curriculum to East San José students. The Applied Materials Foundation’s support for the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix enables up to 400 elementary and middle school students from lower-income families to experience meaningful STEM education programs. And in Idaho, the Foundation’s sponsorship of the Western Idaho Science and Engineering Fair at Boise State University engages over 650 youth in inquiry-based STEM research. In addition, the Foundation’s sponsorship for Eastern New York American Chemical Society’s National Chemistry Day underwrites chemistry-focused community activities throughout the area.

Outside the U.S., Applied Materials focuses on project-based learning and expanding access for historically underserved populations. In Taiwan, corporate funding for the National Taiwan Science Education Center’s semiconductor exhibition and education program allows visitors to explore the fascinating world of semiconductors through interactive gaming with the help of multimedia and mechanical devices. In Singapore, Applied works with North East CDC Science Explorer Camp to inspire and promote innovative thinking in children through hands-on science workshops and experiments that help them develop skills and further learning. In Korea, the company collaborates with Child Fund Korea to provide experiential science education opportunities for children in community centers throughout the country. And in China, corporate funding for the Lingshan Library Project works to improve literacy rates at rural schools by providing reading resources and professional development for teachers.

In India, Applied works with Pratham Education Foundation to make science learning fun, interesting and useful for children at the Science Centers of Khalapur, Raigad in Maharashtra. In Japan, the company works with NPO Kids’ Door to provide free afterschool tutoring to students from low-income families. In Israel, corporate collaboration with the Israel Scholarship Education Foundation encourages high school students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to better understand the importance of completing high school and pursuing higher education through participatory workshops.

Whether it is encouraging student exploration through STEM kits, cultivating creativity through coding competitions or clarifying pathways to college and/or career through student-centered workshops, Applied Materials and the Applied Materials Foundation are dedicated to supporting the success of the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.

As many children throughout the U.S. head back into the classroom to start a new year of learning, we reflect on the commitment of the Applied Materials Foundation and Applied Materials to engaging youth through high-quality educational experiences.

At Applied Materials, we believe that education inspires young minds, opens new doors and paves the way to more promising futures. Putting this philosophy into action, the Applied Materials Foundation and the company invest in efforts globally that are aimed at helping students fulfill their academic potential. We prioritize projects that cultivate a child’s curiosity, encourage a growth mindset and engage kids through self-reflection and discovery. In alignment with our commitment to equity-centered community engagement, we fund organizations led by and comprised of individuals with similar life experiences to the youth they are serving.

In Austin, Texas, the Applied Materials Foundation funds the African American Youth Harvest Foundation’s (AAYHF’s) efforts to provide relevant technical training, opportunities and guidance to Austin youth. Last year, over 300 kids participated in AAYHF’s year-round coding and product development programs. In Montana, the Applied Materials Foundation’s support for Kalispell Education Foundation’s teacher mini-grant program fulfilled 59 grant requests, ultimately reaching over 75 teachers and their 4,000 students. In Portland, Oregon, the Applied Materials Foundation works with College Possible to provide intensive college access programming for 400+ historically underserved Portland Metro region high school students, and in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the Foundation’s engagement with LEAP to Education helps local youth in the area prepare for college and career.

In Silicon Valley, California, the Applied Materials Foundation collaborates with SEMI Foundation to promote discovery and innovation through STEM kits and curriculum to East San José students. The Applied Materials Foundation’s support for the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix enables up to 400 elementary and middle school students from lower-income families to experience meaningful STEM education programs. And in Idaho, the Foundation’s sponsorship of the Western Idaho Science and Engineering Fair at Boise State University engages over 650 youth in inquiry-based STEM research. In addition, the Foundation’s sponsorship for Eastern New York American Chemical Society’s National Chemistry Day underwrites chemistry-focused community activities throughout the area.

Outside the U.S., Applied Materials focuses on project-based learning and expanding access for historically underserved populations. In Taiwan, corporate funding for the National Taiwan Science Education Center’s semiconductor exhibition and education program allows visitors to explore the fascinating world of semiconductors through interactive gaming with the help of multimedia and mechanical devices. In Singapore, Applied works with North East CDC Science Explorer Camp to inspire and promote innovative thinking in children through hands-on science workshops and experiments that help them develop skills and further learning. In Korea, the company collaborates with Child Fund Korea to provide experiential science education opportunities for children in community centers throughout the country. And in China, corporate funding for the Lingshan Library Project works to improve literacy rates at rural schools by providing reading resources and professional development for teachers.

In India, Applied works with Pratham Education Foundation to make science learning fun, interesting and useful for children at the Science Centers of Khalapur, Raigad in Maharashtra. In Japan, the company works with NPO Kids’ Door to provide free afterschool tutoring to students from low-income families. In Israel, corporate collaboration with the Israel Scholarship Education Foundation encourages high school students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to better understand the importance of completing high school and pursuing higher education through participatory workshops.

Whether it is encouraging student exploration through STEM kits, cultivating creativity through coding competitions or clarifying pathways to college and/or career through student-centered workshops, Applied Materials and the Applied Materials Foundation are dedicated to supporting the success of the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.