Under Armour announced the launch of a local community-based empowerment program entitled “WIN Baltimore.” The program aims to generate positive social change throughout the city and its surrounding communities by fueling the social, educational and physical advancement of the boys and girls who will lead Baltimore into a better future.
The program's first initiative is a comprehensive service project that will support and fund the development of athletic facilities, increase access to technology and introduce new after school programs for Paul Laurence Dunbar High School for Health Professionals. Under Armour Founder and CEO Kevin Plank and Baltimore Ravens great Ray Lewis revealed the plans to a small group of Dunbar administrators and students at a private event last week.
The brand will build the Dunbar Poets a state-of-the-art turf football field with new stadium lights, a first-rate scoreboard, wrap-around track and more. In addition, the project will include the development of two brand new high-tech computer labs. Both projects arescheduled for completion by the start of the 2012-13 school year.
“On behalf of the students, faculty, staff, parents, community and alumni of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School for Health Professions, we are ever humbled by Under Armour’s gracious gift. We celebrate the promise of a first-class football field and modern computer labs,” said Kristina Kyles, Principal of Dunbar High School. “Over the years, our young Poets and committed adults have won numerous state championships practicing in athletic facilities that are well preserved, yet woefully out of date. We will use this gift to further accomplish our goal of increasing attendance, GPA's, SAT scores and most importantly graduating great Baltimoreans.”
Additional projects between Under Armour and Dunbar will be finalized in the coming months. They will focus on after school andmentorship programs designed to inspire and drive students to succeed in allareas of life.
“We are thrilled about our latest philanthropic initiative focused on giving back to the city we call home. 'WIN Baltimore' is a reflection of our commitment to work with civic leaders and the entire community in an effort to make Baltimore a better place to live, work and play,” said Amy Larkin, VP, Culture, Under Armour. “Dunbar has long been a staple of the Baltimore community and a place that shares many of the same values as our brand. We look forward to all the amazing things we will do together and the positive impact it will generate in Baltimore.”
Future “WIN Baltimore” initiatives will be announced in 2013.
