Community Outreach
AOBA is dedicated to making a significant difference in our community. Association members, along with hard-working volunteers on the Associates Coalition Team’s (ACT) Charity and Community Events Committee, focus on several schools that improve the lives of our region's children. These schools benefit from AOBA’s generous contributions in terms of volunteer hours, in-kind services and direct funding.
AOBA's Community Outreach Programs Make Significant Impact
James E. Duckworth School
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| Volunteers cheer on a student at the Duckworth School’s Special Olympics Challenge Day. |
Each year, AOBA supports the James E. Duckworth School in Prince George's County, since this school for children with disabilities has ongoing needs that can not be met by the County's Board of Education. For example, in 2008, the Association successfully raised $7,000 to purchase a "Tango" communication device. In 2010, AOBA raised funds for an awning for the school's playground. And in 2011, the Association raised funds for the school to purchase much-needed new appliances.
In addition, each spring, AOBA staff and volunteers converge on the school for a Clean Up Day, prior to the school's Special Olympic Challenge Day in May. In 2011, Clean Up Day and the Special Olympics Challenge Day were a tremendous success, thanks to an incredible list of member firms who provided manpower, financial support, hands-on help and enthusiastic cheering! Watch for 2012 dates!
Offering unique services to students with disabilities who live in DC and Prince George's County, Duckworth's award-winning instructional program helps students achieve their personal best and attain maximum independence. Over the past decade, AOBA members have raised over $100,000.
Prince George's County Scholarship Program
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| AOBA members and staff pose with 2011 AOBA scholarship award recipients at Prince George’s Community College. |
In conjunction with Prince George's County Community College, AOBA sponsors an annual Scholarship Program for students in Prince George's County. Graduates of Prince George's County high schools may receive up to $6,000 in paid tuition to Prince George's Community College over a two-year period.
Since its inception in 1996, the AOBA Scholarship program has provided over $647,000 in scholarships as well as mentoring and internship support to 108 Prince George’s County students. Most of these students have completed study at PGCC, and many are now employed by AOBA members.
DC School Supplies
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AOBA leaders and volunteers pose with smiling students (carrying new backpacks) at Garrison Elementary School in DC. |
Each year, AOBA works with the DC Public Schools to select a school with students who would benefit from assistance with school supplies.For the 2010-2011 school year, AOBA raised funds to purchase calculators for students of Joel Elias Spingarn Senior High School in Ward 5.
For the 2011-2012 school year, AOBA raised fund to purchase 50 backpacks stuffed with school supplies for elementary school students at Garrison Elementary school in Ward 2.
Thanks to all members who provide support for this annual summer program that directly helps DC youth!
