Press Release: Google Receives "Outstanding Corporate Volunteerism" Award from Massachusetts Service Alliance

Contact: Holly Trippett, Citizen Schools, 301-452-3904, hollytrippett@citizenschools.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOOGLE RECEIVES “OUTSTANDING CORPORATE VOLUNTEERISM” AWARD FROM MASSACHUSETTS SERVICE ALLIANCE

Google Volunteers Recognized for Partnership with Citizen Schools to Provide Local Students with Hands-On Apprenticeships

Boston, MA – June 6, 2013 – On Thursday, June 6, at Massachusetts Service Alliance’s Conference on Service and Volunteering: YOU Generate Google will be recognized for its Outstanding Corporate Volunteerism. Citizen Schools, a national nonprofit that partners with middle schools in Boston to expand the school day, nominated Google for their partnership with the organization in Massachusetts. The award recognizes the company for their volunteer leadership and role to improve the quality of life for the community. It will be accepted by Elizabeth Schwab, Community Affairs and Public Policy Manager at Google.

Citizen Schools seeks to close the opportunity and achievement gaps for low-income middle school students by expanding the day with real-world learning experiences. These apprenticeships help students connect their academics to the real world, and build skills and beliefs that will help them succeed in high school and beyond. Volunteer professionals lead hands-on apprenticeships for 90 minutes a week over 10 weeks each semester, teaching academic & 21st century skills such as math, writing, public speaking, teamwork and more.

Google volunteers have engaged with Citizen Schools Massachusetts since 2009, and in the past three years have deepened the partnership extensively in the region. Googlers have contributed over 3,300 volunteer hours, increasing their engagement each year. In the 2012-2013 school year alone, 39 volunteers taught 13 apprenticeships, offering close to 1,400 hours of service to Massachusetts students. Volunteers have taught a range of subjects including video game programming, code-breaking, jazz beats, chess strategy, building websites, and more.

“Citizen Schools helps Google make a positive contribution in our community by supporting efforts to promote math, science, and technology on a local and national scale,” said Elizabeth Schwab, Community Affairs and Public Policy Manager at Google.  "Google Employees are thrilled to continue to work with amazing students and appreciate this honor."

Through apprenticeships, students get exposure to individuals and potential career paths that they may not have had the opportunity to explore otherwise. Citizen Schools has a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning, to ensure that all students graduate from school ready to succeed in college and careers. Google has stepped up to be a leading partner in this, focusing 60% of their apprenticeships on teaching STEM skill areas.

“Citizen Schools proudly nominated Google for this award,” said Pat Kirby, Vice President and Executive Director of Citizen Schools Massachusetts. “Working directly with Google experts on a variety of subjects helps our students connect what they are learning in school with the real world, sparks new interests, and inspires motivation for our students to pursue their passions.”

About Citizen Schools 

Citizen Schools is a national nonprofit organization that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for low-income children across the country. Citizen Schools uniquely mobilizes thousands of adult volunteers to help improve student achievement by teaching skill-building apprenticeships. The organization’s programs blend these real-world learning projects with rigorous academic and leadership development activities, preparing students in the middle grades for success in high school, college, the workforce, and civic life.

Learn more about Citizen Schools Massachusetts at http://www.citizenschools.org/massachusetts/.

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