Coming off the heels of the box-office shattering opening of the Black Panther movie, Disney just announced it is donating $1 million to the Girls and Boys Club of America.
“Marvel Studios’ Black Panther is a masterpiece of movie making and has become an instant cultural phenomenon, sparking discussion, inspiring people young and old, and breaking down age-old industry myths,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Co. via a post on Disney’s website.
“It is thrilling to
see how inspired young audiences were by the spectacular technology in the film, so it’s fitting that we show our appreciation by helping advance STEM programs for youth, especially in underserved areas of the country, to give them the knowledge and tools to build the future they want.”The money will fund STEM (science, tech, engineering, and math) programs for young people in homage to the high-technology shown in the blockbuster movie.
More from Disney’s post on the matter:
Boys & Girls Clubs of America will use this one-time grant to further develop its existing national STEM curriculum, and establish new STEM Centers of Innovation in 12 communities across the country. The curriculum and new centers will serve and inspire kids and teens, with an emphasis in the following communities: Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Harlem, NY; Hartford, CT; Memphis, TN; New Orleans, LA; Oakland, CA; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC; Watts, CA.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Centers of Innovation provide youth with hands-on, advanced technologies that stimulate creative approaches to STEM exploration, including 3-D printers, robotics, high-definition video production and conferencing equipment. In addition, a fully dedicated STEM expert will offer individual and group support, using real-world applications to help Club members develop their STEM skills and critical thinking.
“From hands-on interactive programs to critical thinking, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is committed to providing thousands of young people with the tools they need to prepare for a great future,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in the same post.
“Thanks to Disney’s support, we can expand our outreach and allow more youth to find their passions and discover STEM careers.”
The film raked in more than $700 million globally in the last two weekends and $404 million domestically by Sunday, just 10 days after its release. The $200 million film has yet to open in Japan and China.
Additional reporting by Selena Hill