West Grants Multi-Year Foundation Sponsorship to Young Men in Charge Foundation

West is pleased to announce that it has become a multi-year foundation sponsor of the Young Men In Charge Foundation, Inc. (YMIC). The program is dedicated to increasing the number of African American and Latino males in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). West’s sponsorship will support the Foundation’s mission of integrating STEM exposure and mentoring with a focus on leadership, business and social skills.

“West is pleased to partner with YMIC to increase participation in this important area of study,” said Rick Luzzi, vice president of human resources, West. “As a pharmaceutical packaging manufacturer, we look for talent in the STEM arena. YMIC offers a wonderful program that will aid young men in developing an interest in the STEM fields and potential future careers as scientists and engineers.”

YMIC Foundation, Inc. partners with school districts, universities and businesses to run a variety of programs for “Y-MIC scholars.” The Y-MIC scholars range from grades five to 12 (with continued academic and financial support through college) and attend schools in the counties of Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Students who become Y-MIC scholars receive academic support and STEM-related mentoring through seminars, summer enrichment sessions, community service projects, leadership activities and entrepreneurial programs. YMIC scholars are eligible for a four-year undergraduate scholarship, as well.

“West has become our first foundation sponsor, and we are hopeful that other STEM-related business leaders will join their commitment and make an impact in training our future engineers and scientists,” said Richard Roberts III, founder of YMIC Foundation, Inc. “We hope the partnership between West and YMIC Foundation, Inc. is a first step toward expanding the program to include young women and further serve the educational needs of the community.”

YMIC Foundation Inc. has several events planned for 2013, including the second-annual Science Fair on April 27, from 9:00 a.m. t- 12:00 p.m. Students will gather at B. Reed Henderson High School in West Chester, Penn. for a morning of project presentations before a STEM panel. YMIC Foundation, Inc. will be hosting the third-annual scholarship and awards banquet at the Chester Valley Golf Course in Malvern, Pennsylvania. A full calendar of YMIC’s 2013 events can be found at http://ymicfoundation.org/events.

YMIC is a member of the Education Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC), an incentive through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development that gives eligible Pennsylvania-based businesses tax credits for contributing to a qualifying organization, such as YMIC.