Young Students Share Where They See Themselves in 20 Years, BJ’s & General Mills Respond
Grants totaling $60K distributed to 10 schools in honor of BJ’s Adopt-A-School Program 20th Anniversary
September 2, 2015 /3BL Media/ - BJ’s Wholesale Club teamed up with General Mills in honor of the 20th anniversary of its Adopt-A-School program by awarding $10,000 grants to five public elementary schools as well as $2,500 grants to four additional schools. The schools were chosen from countless applications that shared where students see themselves in 20 years and how BJ’s & General Mills’ school support will help get them there.
“Learning how we can help shape where students see themselves in 20 years has been a wonderful way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of BJ’s Adopt-A-School Program,” said Laura Sen, CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club. “Their creative, thoughtful applications highlighted a range of needs from new computers and classroom upgrades to gardening supplies and mentor training. We’re excited to see how these remarkable children and schools will use these new resources to enhance educational excellence in their local communities.”
Grant Recipients of $10,000:
- Arlington Heights Elementary School in Stroudsburg, PA – Due to dated electronics and no computers, assemblies, lectures and research are practically impossible for the kids at Arlington Heights Elementary. Therefore, the grant will help update the sound system in their multipurpose room, give teachers document cameras, and purchase laptops or tablets students can use for schoolwork.
- Brayton Elementary School in North Adams, MA – With 60% of students unable to afford computers, plus budget cuts, the school hasn’t been able to provide access to new technology. The grant will help narrow the digital divide by purchasing 20 iPads and an iPad cart.
- José Julián Martí School No. 28 in Elizabeth, NJ – Since many students come from single-parent homes, the school staff wanted a way to give kids without fathers strong male role models. The grant will kick start a mentoring program by funding school staff training; parental-involvement workshops; inspirational speakers; and equipment, lessons and coaching for group athletics.
- Pembroke Lakes Elementary in Pembroke Pines, FL – Providing every student in the third grade with a new computer will grant more access to interactive communications and engagement with fellow classmates and teachers. This grant will fund a computer science lab with 20 computers, plus accessories to build technology skills around “real world” issues.
- Scotland Elementary School in Scotland, PA – To create hands-on science lessons, the grant will support an outdoor garden. Students will fence in a garden, dig beds, and plant vegetables and herbs with part of their grant. The rest of the funding will cover the cost of benches, chalkboards and mural supplies for an outdoor learning space.
“It feels good knowing that in the course of doing business with a great partner like BJ’s, we can help some of the schools and students in the market,” said Bill Malkowiak, regional sales director, General Mills. “It’s important to both of our companies that we contribute in meaningful ways to the communities in which we live and work.”
Due to the number of amazing applications, BJ’s and General Mills chose to specially recognize the following four schools with $2,500 grants:
- Linden Tree Elementary School, Bronx, NY
- Plunkett Elementary, Adams, MA
- Point O’View Elementary, Virginia Beach, VA
- Woodland Academy, Worcester, MA
For the application, all of BJ’s past and current Adopt-A-School partners, as well as any public elementary school located within 15 miles of a BJ’s Club, were encouraged to submit a request for grant funding. Applications were judged on the following criteria: creativity, student involvement, impact of grant, demonstrated need, and volunteer opportunities for the local BJ’s Club Team Members.
Through BJ’s Adopt-A-School program, each year, every club and distribution center “adopts” a public elementary school in their local community, and provides them with financial support to enhance existing programs and curriculum. Since its inception 20 years ago, BJ’s Adopt-A-School program has provided more than $1.9 million in funding to thousands of schools, helping ensure children receive a quality education.
To learn more, visit http://journal.bjs.com/article/announcing-our-20th-anniversary-grant-recipients.
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About BJ’s Wholesale Club
Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJ's is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 208 clubs in 15 states.
BJ’s provides a one-stop shopping destination filled with more top-quality, leading brands including its exclusive Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen brands, which are all backed by BJ’s 100% money-back guarantee; more fresh foods from USDA Choice meats to premium produce to delicious organics in many supermarket sizes; and more great value and amazing savings every day. BJ’s is also the only membership club to accept all manufacturers' coupons and for greater convenience offers the most payment options.
Giving back has always been at the very core of BJ’s culture. Through local clubs, volunteerism, BJ’s Feeding Communities, Adopt-A-School Program, BJ’s Charitable Foundation, and many more, the company supports and enhances programs that provide vital services within each community it serves. To learn more, visit www.bjs.com/community.
To check out all the MORE BJ’s has to offer, visit www.BJs.com and for exclusive content find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
