Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Staples Foundation for Learning Reaffirm Commitment to America’s Future Leaders

Staples Foundation for Learning Renews Partnership with $3 Million Over Three Years to Expand Torch Club Program

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) announced today it has been awarded a three year, $3 million grant from Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL), a private foundation created by Staples, Inc. The grant is part of SFFL’s renewed commitment to supporting Torch Clubs, which are chartered, small groups of Boys & Girls Club members – ages 11 to 13 – that focus on character development and leadership skills through civic engagement activities.

“Staples Foundation for Learning’s continued support will allow us to deepen the impact Torch Clubs have and help us guide young people as they grow into responsible citizens with character and integrity.”

Torch Clubs promote positive self-esteem and personal growth, build listening and speaking skills, reinforce academic achievement and encourage the development of conscientious citizens. This $3 million investment extends the previous $6 million, six-year commitment made by SFFL, and continues the support of the expansion of Torch Club programs to foster thousands of future leaders nationwide.

“Since Staples Foundation for Learning began its support of BGCA in 2002, we have seen the tremendous impact Clubs can have on youth across the country,” said Mike Miles, president of Staples Foundation for Learning and president and chief operating officer of Staples, Inc. “Staples Foundation for Learning is committed to the Torch Clubs program and its mission to help youth become productive, responsible and caring citizens who will become the leaders of tomorrow.”

“The development of the Torch Clubs has allowed BGCA to reach and influence youth during a critical period of development,” said Roxanne Spillett, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Staples Foundation for Learning’s continued support will allow us to deepen the impact Torch Clubs have and help us guide young people as they grow into responsible citizens with character and integrity.”

Over the past six years, support from SFFL has helped to expand Torch Club programs to more than 1,400 chartered clubs, touching the lives of more than 78,000 children. Additionally, BGCA and SFFL have recognized and awarded scholarships and financial contributions to deserving Clubs and Club members, including the prestigious annual National Service Project Award, which recognizes youth-led community service efforts.

The renewed commitment will allow BGCA to bring the Torch Club message of character and service to thousands of young people, helping BGCA fulfill its mission of developing America’s young people into productive, responsible and caring citizens of their communities.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has enabled young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4.2 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

About Staples Foundation for Learning

Founded in 2002, Staples Foundation for Learning has contributed to nearly 1,000 global, national and local charities that provide educational opportunities and job skills for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Staples Foundation for Learning builds lasting relationships with world-class organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Ashoka, Earth Force and the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. The foundation is the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc. and is an integral component of Staples Soul, which recognizes the connection between long-term business success and the impact Staples has on associates, communities and the planet. For more information about the foundation and Staples Soul, please visit www.staplesfoundation.org and www.staples.com/soul.

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