JBS Green Bay Sponsors STEM Education Center through Hometown Strong
JBS USA is providing an update on how its Hometown Strong funds are being invested in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
JBS USA previously announced a $1MM investment in the community and has since worked closely with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs. JBS Green Bay’s total commitment has since been increased to $1.8MM through an additional allocation of Hometown Strong funding.
Of that total, JBS USA contributed $250,000 to fund the sponsorship of multiple educational resources at the Brown County STEM Innovation Center located on the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay campus. This sponsorship includes the Einstein Project’s STEM Expo and multiple pathways for hands-on, family-friendly learning experiences both virtually and through an onsite “Makerspace,” where visitors can collaborate to share tools, materials and expertise on a variety of STEM projects.
“We are proud to partner with the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Brown County and the Einstein Project to promote STEM education in our community,” said Hicham Timejardine, JBS Green Bay general manager. “STEM education doesn’t just lead to jobs, it leads to careers, and by building STEM foundation early, young students can grow up to do whatever they put their minds to.”
“The Einstein Project is excited about this new partnership with JBS. Their commitment to our community will help to ensure that all kids in the Green Bay area have access to quality, hands-on STEM learning opportunities,” said Chad Janowski, Einstein Project Executive Director. “Their sponsorship will help to keep up-to-date instructional materials in classrooms and support informal learning experiences in partnership with UW-Green Bay through our mobile makerspace and the STEM Innovation Center.”
“We are incredibly appreciative of JBS USA’s vision to support STEM education in Northeast Wisconsin,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Mike Alexander. “UW-Green Bay is proud to collaborate across the region to build these access points for students to enter jobs that are in demand across the region.”
JBS Green Bay also participated in a dedication ceremony for the project on Sat., April 30, to unveil the sponsorship and welcome local community organizations, families and children to participate in special activities to showcase the center.
In addition to the STEM Innovation Center, the company has funded additional Hometown Strong projects, including an investment of $831,500 to enable development of the East Side Community, including a park space with multi-generational play equipment, a community garden and outdoor gathering space and housing for JBS Green Bay team members and their families.
The JBS USA Green Bay beef production facility employs more than 1,200 people with an annual payroll of more than $65 million. The facility supports 1,100 producers, paying them more than $700 million per year for their livestock.
Hometown Strong is a $100 million initiative that was developed to strengthen the communities where JBS operates. Funds are being directed to the communities where JBS team members live and work in the U.S. and Canada. Hometown Strong is one of the largest community investment programs of its kind.