UPS Gives Moncton Classroom a Headstart

Moncton, NB, June 14, 2012

Contribution part of larger US$65,000 grant

UPS (NYSE: UPS), Moncton Headstart and students of the Community Adult Learning Centre (CALC) today unveiled a completely updated and modern classroom courtesy of a US$65,000 grant from The UPS Foundation.

"It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of young high school students getting ready for their graduation," said Karan Wood, Global Business Services Operations Manager at UPS. "But to be here with students of all ages who are working towards their high school equivalencies is nothing short of inspiring.  At UPS we're thrilled to be able to provide these hard working adults with a classroom that is welcoming, technologically advanced and most of all functional, as they fulfill their goals."

The CALC is open to Headstart parents and the larger community under New Brunswick's Community Adult Learning Initiative. Both morning and afternoon classes are offered and accommodate up to 16 students.  

"Our students range in ages and come to us with different educational levels and needs," said Clare Archibald, Executive Director of Moncton Headstart. "Some only need help in one subject, some need help in many. But all of them come with a desire to learn and to achieve success in writing their General Educational Diploma. To be able to offer them a better equipped, comfortable and stimulating setting can only add to their potential to succeed."

The program runs for 33 weeks and students work at their own pace. One-on-one help is available which contributes greatly to the students' advancement. The renovations include the purchase of a new training table, three computers, three computer desks, three printers and eight office chairs. The renovation of the adult learners' classroom is only part of a US$65,000 grant from The UPS Foundation. The remaining renovations and purchase of stimulating learning materials and equipment for Headstart's younger children will be unveiled in the fall.

Moncton Headstart is a charitable non-profit early family intervention agency focused on building school readiness skills with children and their parents. Programs and services aim to build healthy relationships, improve self-esteem, develop new skills, enhance existing skills and encourage self-sufficiency. Headstart families are continuously provided with opportunities and support for growth and change. Headstart families sometimes struggle to meet their basic needs and require services, resources awareness and programs to thrive and grow.

UPS's grant program highlights the company's philosophy of striking a balance financial contributions and hands-on volunteer hours. Organizations are nominated for grants by UPS employees and must have benefited from 50 hours of hands-on volunteering from UPS employees to qualifyUPS Canada employees volunteered over 21,000 hours to more than 260 charitable organizations across Canada in 2011.