Disney donates $1M to youth STEM program in honor of “Black Panther”
The Walt Disney Company is donating $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s STEM programs In celebration of the record-breaking success of Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther.”
Black Panther “has become an instant cultural phenomenon, sparking discussion, inspiring people young and old, and breaking down age-old industry myths,” Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement. “It is thrilling to see how inspired young audiences were by the spectacular technology in the film, so it’s fitting that we show our appreciation by helping advance STEM programs for youth, especially in underserved areas of the country, to give them the knowledge and tools to build the future they want.”\
Boys & Girls Clubs of America will use this one-time grant to further develop its existing national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum and establish new STEM Centers of Innovation in the following 12 communities: Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; Harlem, New York; Hartford, Connecticut; Memphis, Tennessee; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oakland, California; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; and Watts, California.
“From hands-on interactive programs to critical thinking, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is committed to providing thousands of young people with the tools they need to prepare for a great future,” Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said. “Thanks to Disney’s support, we can expand our outreach and allow more youth to find their passions and discover STEM careers.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Centers of Innovation provide youth with hands-on, advanced technologies that stimulate creative approaches to STEM exploration, including 3-D printers, robotics, high-definition video production and conferencing equipment.
