UScellular and the Packers team up to donate $20k for STEM education

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - The Green Bay Packers and UScellular partnered up to surprise students at King Elementary School in Green Bay with a big donation on Thursday morning. That $20,000 donation will go toward improving STEM education and upgrading technology.

Packers running back AJ Dillion surprised students and staff at King Elementary School, presenting them with a $20,000 donation from the Leap for Learning program.

“They’re opening up and having opportunities with Leap for Learning to give schools that are doing great things, with great staff, with great kids, and great mindsets for the future; they’re giving them the resources to get the best possible education they can,” said Dillon.

The funds will support the school’s coding curriculum and robotics program, and update equipment to help students learn without limits. They plan to buy special machines to put decals on t-shirts and media equipment so students can grow their photography and business skills.

“It’s about a habit of mind of thinking differently about how to approach the world and how to approach problems,” said King Elementary School principal Matt Malcore. “So $20,000? An amazing addition to what’s already happening.“

“We’re honored to have been chosen by UScellular and the Green Bay Packers for this award and donation. From coding curriculum to robotics to updated technology equipment, we have big plans to put the $20,000 donation to use in a way that will truly help our students thrive,” said Malcore. “The students were so excited to see AJ Dillon and it was heartwarming to have him here autographing and raffling off items for the kids and celebrating this momentous occasion with them.”

“We’re proud to join UScellular in awarding King Elementary School a well-deserved technology makeover. We’re committed to helping ensure students across the state have access to the resources they need to learn and grow through the Leap for Learning program,” said Packers Vice President of Sales and Business Development Craig Benzel.

Not only did the school receive a $20,000 donation but they were also giving away signed helmets and footballs.

“I didn’t even understand the impact it would have,” said store manager Lateria Garrett. “Seeing their little faces coming in and the excitement. They were all dressed up. The energy was like being at a Pack game. So it was awesome.“

Dillon said he was happy to make an impact both on and off the field.

“Education is big and I’m a firm believer in inspiring the kids through football and also making sure they have the right tools in front of them to succeed.”

“Technology upgrades are critical for students to grow and thrive, which is why we are honored to recognize King Elementary and its students with this donation,” said Marlon Bailey, director of sales for UScellular in Wisconsin and N. Illinois. “At UScellular, we are continuously looking for ways to invest in the next generation and promote the importance of a STEM education, and we’re proud to be partnering on Leap for Learning to do just that.”

UScellular will also be donating 300 copies of AJ Dillon’s book, “Quadzilla Finds His Footing,” to libraries across the state through the Wisconsin Library Association.