The digital media program in the University of Houston College of Technology has been awarded $2,500 by Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., through a program called 2 Million & Change that allows Staples associates around the globe to direct more than $2 million in donations each year.
Robert Dennen, a member of the digital media advisory board and Staples associate, orchestrated the approval of the grant. The digital media program will use the grant toward fully funding a $250,000 the Benjamin Franklin Scholarship Endowment, which benefits students.
“We are very grateful that the Staples Foundation and advisory board members like Robert Dennen recognize the importance of supporting undergraduate students in one of the fastest growing programs in the College of Technology,” said Dr. Jerry Waite, digital media professor and program coordinator.
Created in 2012, the 2 Million & Change program is a philanthropic initiative, which allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to non-profit organizations focused on academic education or job skills. The program encourages local community engagement by awarding larger grants to organizations where associates are highly engaged in volunteering or fundraising – up to $25,000 per organization. In 2016, Staples awarded more than $2.3 million in grants to 1,000 local organizations in support of education and job skills programs, including job readiness for homeless individuals, career exploration for high school students, academic scholarships, mentoring and more.
“Staples is committed to giving back to the causes our associates are passionate about,” said Regis Mulot, chief human resources officer, Staples, Inc. “The 2 Million & Change program helps associates make an even greater impact on the organizations they support in their local communities.”