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June 8, 2005
Alcoa Foundation Helps Students in South Carolina Take 'First Steps' This Summer
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COLUMBIA, S.C. - JUNE 8, 2005 - Alcoa Foundation announced today that it has invested $30,000 in "Countdown to Kindergarten," a South Carolina state-wide initiative that helps prepare at-risk children for school. The program is operated through South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness and EDVenture Children's Museum.
This summer, with the help of the Alcoa Foundation grant, approximately 140 teachers from across the state will visit students at their homes in an effort to improve the quality of parent-child learning interactions and promote parents' involvement in their child's education. The teachers will also introduce parents to local educational resources and the importance of preparing children for school. Students selected for the program have been identified by community partners, including schools, Head Start programs and faith partners.
"We are grateful to Alcoa Foundation for this investment in the future of South Carolina," said First Steps State Director Susan DeVenny. "When children begin school healthy and ready to learn, their opportunities for success are much greater. In the long term, communities are improved through the creation of a stronger and more competitive workforce."
As part of Alcoa Foundation's commitment to improving the quality of life in Alcoa communities worldwide, the funding will target families in the seven counties that surround Alcoa plants and are home to employees. With a presence in South Carolina since 1969, Alcoa operates three different facilities in the state, which include:
- Alcoa - Mt. Holly, a smelter that produces primary aluminum and ingot products in Goose Creek;
- Alcoa Home Exteriors, a manufacturer of vinyl building products for the home, in Gaffney; and
- Southern Graphics System, which produces film, files or plates for the flexographic printing industry, in McBee.
Alcoa employs nearly 900 in South Carolina, where its capital investment is approximately $1.5 billion. Alcoa's contribution to the South Carolina economy includes a payroll of $85 million and $5 million in annual taxes.
About Alcoa Foundation
Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in the countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation's grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. Alcoa Foundation manages Alcoa's ACTION and Bravo! programs which recognize the volunteer efforts of employees with grants to the organizations they serve. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit www.alcoa.com, under Community.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa wheels, and Baco household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 131,000 employees in 43 countries and has been a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average for 45 years and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2001. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.
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