For the City Times

Employee United Way Contributions Matched Dollar-for-Dollar to Enhance Student Success

STEVENS POINT —Employees of Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates surprised students, teachers and staff at their adopted school, Jefferson Elementary School, with a check for $7,820 on Friday, Dec. 8.

The donation is a dollar-for-dollar company match to the funds Stevens Point employees contributed to their annual United Way campaign.

(Contributed Photo)

Principal Molly Demrow announced plans to add 12 swings to the playground. Part of the school’s outdoor space was damaged during a storm last summer and currently only four swings are available. Recess provides a positive outlet for play so students can return to the classroom with a renewed focus on learning.

Great Lakes is dedicated to improving lives through education. Amy Kerwin, Vice President – Community Investments, explained:

“Our corporate philanthropy operates on multiple levels. Our national grantmaking is focused on seeing more underserved students earn postsecondary credentials or degrees. At the local level, through our Great Lakes Gives employee giving program, we help students at a school located near each of our offices get a strong start, improving their chances of accessing higher education. The company match is one of the ways we provide those schools with resources that can help change their students’ lives for the better.”

Kerwin noted that the connections Great Lakes forges with staff and students at its adopted schools go beyond dollars and cents. These relationships have been built over several years through volunteer work; snack, book and school supply collection drives; and other activities.

This is the fourth year Jefferson has received the Great Lakes matching funds. The school has previously used donations to install SmartBoards in all general education classrooms, increasing student engagement and participation through the use of the high-tech tools.