01/29/2014
Center for Dynamic Learning named Champion in Action in youth programming category
Nonprofit agency receives unrestricted $35,000 grant, PR and volunteer support
Providence, RI – Citizens Bank and NBC 10 named the Center for Dynamic Learning (CDL) the first 2014 Champion in Action® in the category of youth programming. The center will receive a $35,000 unrestricted grant, media coverage, and extensive promotional and volunteer support for its work on behalf of Rhode Island’s young people.
The Center for Dynamic Learning provides two programs – one held during school and one after school – that focus on experiential learning in the arts and sciences. The programs are designed to address young people’s needs in the areas of academic enrichment, social and emotional development, and career readiness.
The grant will be used to provide equipment for the center’s SLIDE (science, learning, and industrial design engineering) fabrication laboratory and laptops for program participants. In addition, the center’s Traveling Theatre will be able to replace lighting and sound equipment to ensure a high-quality experience for students.
“Since 2003, CDL has made the arts and sciences accessible for urban youth through its creative and engaging approach to education,” said Barbara Cottam, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs. “CDL has integrated creativity, literacy, problem-solving and cooperative learning skills while equipping students with hands-on, real-world experiences. CDL is very deserving of this recognition for all they do to provide a meaningful career path to young people.”
Champions in Action is part of Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities, the bank’s program designed to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in local communities. It provides support for small nonprofit organizations to recognize their contributions to communities throughout Rhode Island. To date, the program has awarded 43 Rhode Island nonprofits more than $1 million in grants and promotional support.
“NBC 10 is proud to recognize the Center for Dynamic Learning for stimulating creative hands-on exploration and developing imaginative energy among our youth,” said NBC 10 Vice President and General Manager Vic Vetters. “Its unique combination of innovative theater arts and science programs has provided young people with opportunities to become practicing professionals and experience real-world learning.”
Champions in Action
The Center for Dynamic Learning provides a wide array of programs, including:
- STEAMM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and manufacturing) education with a focus on career exploration, workforce readiness and industry standards;
- Statewide creative, engaging and innovative theater arts programs through the Traveling Theatre for youth.
As a Champion in Action, the Center for Dynamic Learning will receive:
- A $35,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from the Citizens Charitable Foundation;
- Media coverage from NBC 10, including public service announcements and television profiles over the course of six months;
- Volunteer support from Citizens and NBC 10 colleagues;
- Extensive public relations support;
- Promotional support highlighting the Champion in Action on all Citizens Bank branch DCN screens and ATMs;
- Exposure on both Citizens Bank and NBC 10 websites.
“For the past 10 years our dedicated team has worked to inspire children to explore and create a path to a brighter future,” said Beth Cunha, co-founder and executive director of the Center for Dynamic Learning. “I am immensely grateful to be honored as a Champion in Action and for Citizens’ and NBC10’s investment in the future of the center and our youth.”
Applications for the second 2014 Champions in Action award in the strengthening communities through family support category are due Friday, March 7, at 5 p.m. The winner will be announced in July. Eligible nonprofits should apply online at www.citizensbank.com/community/champions.
Prior Rhode Island Champions in Action include:
Bristol
Franklin Court Independent Living
Cranston
Molar Express
East Providence
ASPIRE Program at the RI Foster Parents Association
Middletown
Norman Bird Sanctuary • Lucy’s Hearth
Newport
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center • Church Community Housing Corporation
North Kingstown
Bayside Family Healthcare
Pawtucket
Pawtucket Citizens Development Corporation • Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Champions in Action
Providence
Providence Black Repertory Company • McAuley House • Sojourner House • Rhode Island Free Clinic • Genesis Center • New Urban Arts • West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation • Community MusicWorks • Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council • Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence • Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island • Youth in Action • Everett Dance Theatre • Olneyville Housing Corporation • Amos House • Southside Community Land Trust • Kids First • Social Ventures Partners Rhode Island • SWAP • Community Boating Center • GroundWork Providence
South Kingstown
Welcome House of South County (Peace Dale neighborhood)
Warwick
House of Hope • TechACCESS • Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center
Warren
2nd Story Theatre
Woonsocket
RiverzEdge Arts Project • Connecting for Children and Families • NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley
Statewide
Tides Family Services
For more information about the Citizens Bank / NBC 10 Champions in Action program, visit www.citizensbank.com/community/champions or www.turnto10.com. To learn more about how to contribute to the Center for Dynamic Learning through donations or volunteerism, call 401.461.1813.
About Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank is a division of RBS Citizens, N.A., operating its seven-state branch network in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. It has 82 branches and 193 ATMs in Rhode Island.
RBS Citizens, N.A., is a subsidiary of RBS Citizens Financial Group, Inc, a $120 billion commercial bank holding company. It is headquartered in Providence, R.I., and through its subsidiaries has approximately 1,400 branches, over 3,500 ATMs and more than 18,000 colleagues. It operates a branch network in 12 states and has non-branch retail and commercial offices in more than 30 states. Its two bank subsidiaries are RBS Citizens, N.A., and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. They operate a branch network under the Citizens Bank brand in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont; and the Charter One brand in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. RBSCFG is owned by RBS (the Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc). RBSCFG’s website is citizensbank.com.
Champions in Action
About NBC 10
WJAR-TV/DT is the most watched television station in the Providence-New Bedford television market, and NBC 10 News is southern New England’s leading news station. WJAR was first launched as a radio station in 1922 and then became the market’s first television station in 1949. WJAR-TV/DT is owned by Media General, Inc.
About Media General
Media General, Inc. is a leading local television broadcasting and digital media company, providing top-rated news, information and entertainment in strong markets across the U.S. The company owns or operates 31 network-affiliated broadcast television stations and their associated digital media and mobile platforms, in 28 markets. These stations reach 16.5 million, or 14%, of U.S. TV households. Their network affiliations include CBS (12), NBC (9), ABC (7), Fox (1), MyNetwork TV (1) and CW (1). Sixteen of the 31 stations are located in the top 75 designated market areas. Media General first entered the local television business in 1955 when it launched WFLA in Tampa, Florida as an NBC affiliate. The company subsequently expanded its station portfolio through acquisition. In November of 2013, Media General and Young Broadcasting merged, combining Media General’s 18 stations and Young’s 13 stations into the 31-member group that exists today. Five of the stations have been on the air since 1949: WCMH in Columbus, Ohio; WVTM in Birmingham, Alabama; WJAR in Providence, Rhode, Island; KWQC in Davenport, Iowa; and KRON in San Francisco.
