Youth organizations in Polk County can now earn up to $1,000 through U.S. Cellular’s Community Connections program. 

Now in its fourth year, Community Connections provides sponsorship support to help youth groups pay for uniforms, equipment, travel and other group expenses. Since the program launched in 2015, U.S. Cellular has awarded $1.3 million to more than 2,800 groups, including sports teams, STEM programs, marching bands and dance squads.

Academic and athletic groups representing kids and teens up to 12th grade can sign up now at uscellular.com/communityconnections to become eligible to receive sponsorship funds. Once signed up, groups then need to rally their friends, families and supporters to complete online activities that earn money for the needs of their group.

Once an interested group signs up, they have 10 days to generate support and complete online activities that include following U.S. Cellular on its social channels, watching a video or answering a short survey. The money goes directly to the organization, and each group can earn up to $1,000.

U.S. Cellular has contributed more than $10.65 million to K-12 education since 2009. 

For the third consecutive year, U.S. Cellular directed its philanthropic efforts to STEM-focused youth education through a $1 million donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with $84,500 going directly to clubs in North Carolina. In addition, North Carolina U.S. Cellular associates spent 1,700 hours volunteering their time with Boys & Girls Clubs and a variety of other nonprofits throughout the year.

Those interested in more information may visit uscellular.com/communityconnections.

-Submitted article