The HDR Young Professionals Group awards $5,000 to STEM-focused childhood literacy efforts in the Midlands through United Way of the Midlands
February 17, 2020
The HDR Foundation today presented United Way of the Midlands with a grant of $5,000 to provide STEM-focused reading nooks, literacy kits, and snacks for Midlands Reading Consortium (MRC) students at Hyatt Park and Arden elementary schools.
“When companies like HDR invest in our children, the possibilities are endless and allow us the opportunity to create long-term change in our community,” said Sara Fawcett, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands. “We’re providing books, teaching support and training to schools through our Midlands Reading Consortium, and investment in education will make a positive impact on our community. This investment will allow us to continue serving our Midlands students to improve literacy skills, so children are reading on grade level and are on track to graduate on time.”
United Way’s MRC focuses on increasing language development, reading proficiency and encouraging a child’s love for reading. MRC offers a library of services including a one-to-one tutoring program, parent engagement events, guest reading opportunities for both individuals and companies and summer reading camp opportunities. Last year, more than 600 children were tutored through the MRC program.
“We are proud to support United Way of the Midlands and the work they do to promote academic achievement for students in need,” said HDR Young Professional Group representative Jenna Hart. ”The success of our young students keeps our communities strong. When they succeed, so do we.”
Last year, MRC served over 600 students in Richland, Lexington and Newberry counties with the help of more than 300 volunteers. United Way focuses on education strategies that provide a firm foundation at an early age and continue to help develop our children into successful adults who can contribute to their communities.
Volunteer opportunities are still available for those interested in participating in MRC for the 207 9-2020 school year. For more information, including a list of participating schools, visit volunteer.uway.org.
To learn more about United Way’s work in the Midlands, visit uway.org.
About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is the most collaborative, efficient and accountable model for investing in the improvement of the Midlands community. With nearly 70 Community Impact Partners, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations and are directed to fight for causes including childhood literacy, economic mobility and dental and eye care for those without resources. For more information, please visit www.uway.org.
About the HDR Foundation
The HDR Foundation was founded in 2012 and has provided nearly $3 million in grants to local organizations — fueled by donations from HDR employees. We provide grants to 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations, federally recognized tribal governments, and to political subdivisions. Our giving is targeted to the communities in which our employees live and work, and to organizations where HDR employees are highly active. Grant recipients are also required to align with HDR’s areas of focus, which include education, healthy communities and bettering the environment.
About HDR
For more than a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans 10,000 employees, in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future.
