On the Rise: Investing in the Black Leaders of Tomorrow.
Realizing a more accessible and just world, where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, isn’t something that happens overnight.
It takes a clear roadmap, strategic partnerships and a long-term commitment to be invested every step of the way on a student’s journey from middle school and high school through college and early career.
Among the key components of our 10-point plan toward racial equity:
Creating a community-based strategy to drive equity, inclusion and economic development for Black youth and people of color
In line with those goals, we partnered with A Better Chance and other community organizations to create the RISE (Reach. Inspire. Support. Engage.) community program. The aim of RISE? Support racially and ethnically diverse students as they discover their passions, learn about our business, explore emerging technologies, pursue potential STEM career opportunities and hone their leadership skills.
Even in its early stages, our RISE program has taken off. By the close of 2021, we provided access and support to 36 middle and high school students with 97% student completion. Piloted in greater Hartford, CT, in 2022 the program will expand to Baltimore, doubling the number of participants and nonprofit partners, and committing more than $1.4 million in spend.
RISE inaugural community partners include:
- A Better Chance
- Girls for Technology
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford
- The Legacy Foundation of Hartford
Just as integral to our 10-point plan:
Collaborating with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and making progress through the Stanley Black & Decker Leadership Scholarship
Having awarded $400,000 to 22 students at five target HBCUs, the Stanley Black & Decker Leadership Scholarship is helping the next generation.
In late 2021, the inaugural Stanley Black & Decker Innovation Challenge gave 30 students from 12 HBCUs the chance to compete for possible summer internships, prizes and awards, network with corporate partners and pitch innovate solutions to case studies. The 2.5-day intra and entrepreneurship training experience was held in conjunction with Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Program. Students worked on real-world problems while developing design thinking skills and solving entrepreneurial challenges. Learn more about this event
