SimplexGrinnell, a Tyco Int’l company, is helping students make a positive impact on their communities through its grant to United Way of Central Maryland as part of a youth leadership program.
The initiative has taken shape over the past several months as SimplexGrinnell, Tyco Int’l and the United Way of North Central Massachusetts joined forces to expand United Way Youth Venture, a program that empowers students to design and launch lasting social ventures.
“We strongly believe in Youth Venture’s power to change the world, strengthen our communities and create the next generation of leaders,” says Dave Baer, vice president of marketing at SimplexGrinnell.
Under the joint initiative, United Way’s chapters throughout the country were asked to submit proposals on how they would implement the school-based program. The top 10 applicants were invited to a half-day training session in Leominster, Mass., underwritten by SimplexGrinnell, to learn how to implement the program in their community.
Following the training session, United Way of Central Maryland was announced as the recipient of a $30,000 grant to assist in implementing the youth leadership initiative.
“The expansion of United Way Youth Venture to other locations where we do business aligns with SimplexGrinnell’s commitment to be a vital part of the communities we serve,” says Bob Chauvin, vice president of northern operations for SimplexGrinnell and a board member of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. “This powerful program is cultivating a new generation of leaders and improving our communities in very meaningful ways.”
