STEAM-themed kits encourage summer learning and parent engagement
Reno, Nev. – On Friday, May 10, United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS) will partner with Microsoft for its annual Day of Giving to assemble and deliver STEAM-themed (science, technology, engineering, art and math) Literacy Kits to 1,300 third graders in Washoe County. The kits include two new books, parent engagement activities, and supplies for the various science experiments and activities featured in the books.
“We are very excited to partner with United of Northern Nevada and the Sierra for our annual Day of Giving community impact project,” said Carey Serfontein, general manager, Microsoft, Americas Operations Center. “We are proud to invest in our future workforce in northern Nevada by providing these 1,300 STEAM literacy kits to third grade students across the Washoe County School District.”
In total, the project will result in 2,600 new books distributed across Washoe County, providing resources to motivate children to continue reading and learning this summer, as well as encourage family involvement. Each kit has an estimated retail value of $50, for a total project value donation of $65,000.
“We value our community partnership with Microsoft. By working together we are able to increase the value of their donation to multiply our overall impact,” said Michael Brazier, CEO and President, UWNNS. “These kits go to children who might not otherwise have access to books or resources to keep them curious and learning during the summer.”
Microsoft and United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra will be assembling the kits on Friday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Microsoft Americas Operations Center at 6840 Sierra Center Pkwy., Building C. Volunteers will then deliver the kits to 18 Washoe County schools starting at 12:30 p.m. on Friday.
Deliveries will occur at the following elementary schools: Glenn Duncan, Roger Corbett, Lois Allen, Echo Loder, Lincoln Park, Desert Heights, Elmcrest, Virginia Palmer, Hidden Valley, Kate Smith, Alice Maxwell, Natchez, Agnes Risley, Stead, Mount Rose, Nancy Gomes, Winnemucca, and Katherine Dunn.
About Microsoft in Reno:
Located in Reno, Nev. since 1997, Microsoft Reno enables organizations, large and small, to acquire, distribute and utilize the company’s vast array of products, including software, devices and services. One of only three operations centers in the world for Microsoft Corporation, Americas Operations Center (Microsoft Reno) employs approximately 500 professionals and supports Microsoft’s operations for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), Volume Licensing, XBOX, Online Advertising and Dynamics throughout North and South America. Microsoft and its employees contribute to the community in which they live by bringing the benefits of information technology to people and organizations throughout the community with an emphasis on partnerships and activities that provide technology solutions that empower students through education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, as well as signature technology events, employee volunteer hours and gift matching. In the past five years, Microsoft Reno has contributed more than $3 million to the northern Nevada community. Learn more about Microsoft in Reno at www.microsoft.com/en-us/reno/. Connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MicrosoftReno/), Twitter (www.twitter.com/MicrosoftReno) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/microsoftreno/) for news, events and community outreach updates.
About United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS):
UWNNS has successfully served northern Nevada for over 76 years by bringing people together to give, advocate, and volunteer. UWNNS believes that when the community comes together and puts our resources to work, we can solve our most pressing issues and create opportunities for a better life for all. For more information, call 775-322-8668 or visit www.uwnns.org. Connect with us on Facebook (facebook.com/UWNNS/), Twitter (twitter.com/uwnns) and Instagram (instagram.com/_uwnns_/).