United Way of Metropolitan Dallas celebrated its Annual Campaign Kickoff Day on Tuesday, September 1st, marking the launch of its 2015-2016 community fundraising campaign. United Way raised a record-breaking $72 million last year, and surpassed its five-year goal to raise $310.5 million for the North Texas community. The organization’s 91st annual campaign marks the start of an effort to raise $373 million during the next five years. Funds raised by United Way support efforts to achieve bold, 10-year community goals to prepare at least 60% of all high school graduates to succeed in college and careers, move 250,000 more people out of poverty permanently, and improve health and quality of life across North Texas.
“United Way is mobilizing resources to creating lasting, generational change in North Texas, giving people an education that leads to better jobs and more secure futures,” says Fluor Corporation Chairman and CEO David T. Seaton, serving as United Way’s Annual Campaign Chair. “I look forward to building on the momentum and history that United Way has established with the generous support of Dallas-area business and industry. Together, we’re committed to work extremely hard this year to ensure United Way’s continued community impact.”
“Results and accountability matter,” says Jennifer Sampson, President and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “United Way continues to make measured progress in providing all kids and hardworking families new opportunities and a new way forward, thanks to the boundless generosity of North Texans. As we launch this campaign, I can assure you there’s no better return on investment.”
During an early morning rally Tuesday at Victory Park Plaza in Dallas, Seaton and Sampson launched a Fluor volunteer effort to engage more North Texas students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education, in celebration of Annual Campaign Kickoff Day. Expanding STEM education is a key initiative for United Way and Fluor, as Texas will have over 700,000 STEM jobs by 2018, and the demand will continue to grow. Fluor, United Way, and Dallas Afterschool will partner to provide active, hands-on STEM learning activities for deserving students during after school and summer hours. The collaborative initiative is projected to expand STEM education opportunities to 22,000 North Texas students over the next two years.
Tuesday afternoon, volunteers from Fluor, Bank of Texas and other corporations will interacted with and engaged Dallas elementary students using donated STEM activity kits. The kits are designed to encourage learning and education at Dallas Afterschool program sites, including Catholic Charities of Dallas, Girls Inc., Boys and Girls Club of Collin County and Readers 2 Leaders in West Dallas. In an effort to mentor and encourage high school students interested in STEM careers, Seaton led a lunchtime panel discussion with North Texas high school junior and seniors from Uplift Hampton Preparatory School and Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, both United Way service providers. Nearly thirty students who applied to be selected joined Seaton for the session Tuesday at noon at Fluor headquarters in Irving.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. students rank 17th in science and 25th in math compared with the rest of the developed world. For economically disadvantaged students and girls, the crippling skills gap is even wider. At the same time, STEM job growth is outpacing the rest of the economy by nearly 300%.
“When we consider what employers will need to be successful in the future, STEM plays an essential role- a role that will only grow in intensity and necessity,” Seaton says. “Fluor and United Way are committed to bridging the STEM skills gap for North Texas students, empowering a prepared workforce of tomorrow.”
To learn more about United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and how to give, visit www.unitedwaydallas.org.