In celebration of the record-breaking success of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther The Walt Disney Company is donating $1 million to 12 Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).
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.
Disney (DIS) CEO Bob Iger said in a statement that it was “thrilling to see how inspired young audiences were by the spectacular technology in the film.”
“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,” he added.
The donation will help expand Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s youth STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs, supporting the high-tech skills that were a major theme in the plot of Black Panther and are essential in helping youth succeed.