St. Louis, MO (December 10, 2024) – Unleashing Potential (UP) announced it received $15,000 in support from Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S. This grant will build a better future for nearly 700 under-resourced school-aged students from 6-14 years old through high-quality STEAM (science, technology, engineering, cultural arts, and math) out-of-school time (OST) afterschool and summer programs. Students served by UP primarily live in communities throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area that are experiencing financial hardships.
“St. Louis is experiencing a dynamic transformation as a hub for technology, innovation, and sports. STEM education is more important now than ever for our region” Said Darlene Sowell, President and CEO of Unleashing Potential.
“This exciting period of growth demands strategic investment in our future leaders. Unleashing Potential is committed to equipping our next generation to be integral contributors to this thriving ecosystem. Through our STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) program and social-emotional learning, we ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and build essential life skills in children from kindergarten to middle school. These experiences are crucial for cultivating the innovative thinkers and problem-solvers our city needs.”
Darlene added, “With support from Bayer Fund, UP’s OST STEAM programs will continue to empower under-resourced children with high quality educational programs. Together we are taking steps towards building a community where all children and families thrive.”
Bayer Fund and Unleashing Potential have a mutual goal to see the communities we serve flourish. This grant from Bayer Fund will give children access to high-quality education, resulting in graduation rates increases. Ultimately, gaps in achievement will close, and the cycle of poverty will be broken.
“Bayer Fund is proud to support Unleashing Potential and their work to make real, sustainable impacts in St. Louis,” said Al Mitchell, President of Bayer Fund. “Programs like Unleashing Potential makes our community stronger.”
About Unleashing Potential
Unleashing Potential is one of St. Louis’ oldest nonprofits enriching the lives of children (founded originally as Neighborhood Houses in 1913). The mission of Unleashing Potential is to close the opportunity gap for children and youth by building on their strengths. A United Way agency since 1955, Unleashing Potential creates educational and empowering experiences through early childhood education, after school programs, youth development and enrichment camps. For more information about Unleashing Potential visit, https://upstl.org.
About Bayer Fund
Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where Bayer customers and employees live and work by providing funding for food and nutrition, and health and wellness projects. For more Information visit https://www.fund.bayer.us.
Unleashing Potential Media Contact:
Name: Verletta Cole
Email: vcole@upstl.org
Phone: 314-561-3337
Bayer Fund Media Contact:
Name: Nicole Hayes
Email: Nicole.Hayes@Bayer.com
