Media Contacts:
Dora Valdez
Golin Harris for MetroPCS
Email: dvaldez@golinharris.com
Phone: 972-341-2532
Shannon Mayock
After-School All-Stars
Email: shannon@la-allstars.org
Phone: 213-842-4768
MetroPCS and After-School All-Stars Team Up To Expand
After-School Programs in Los Angeles
MetroPCS embarks on a multi-year partnership with ASAS, Los Angeles to serve at-risk youth
LOS ANGELES – (June 4, 2012) – Continuing its commitment to empower youth to move forward in life as strong future leaders, MetroPCS Communications, Inc. today announced its partnership with the After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles (ASAS-LA), a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive after-school programs for underprivileged youth.
Founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles (ASAS-LA) is a leading after-school program provider whose programs educate, enlighten and inspire thousands of students each day through after-school activities centered around health, fitness and nutrition; the visual and performing arts; and youth leadership and community service learning.
ASAS-LA brings innovative, cutting-edge enrichment programs to K-12 students that contribute to reducing drug use, crime and violence, while increasing their safety during the after school hours. The organization serves more than 5,000 students daily across 37 schools located in deserving areas throughout LA County. ASAS-LA is part of the national After-School All-Stars, which provides after school programs in 12 cities, serving more than 82,000 students.
For the 5,000 students that participate in ASAS-LA programs each year, 88 percent come from low-income families and qualify for free and reduced lunch. By regularly attending ASAS-LA programs, approximately 36 percent of middle school students have improved their math scores and 46.3 percent have improved reading scores on state-wide standardized tests. For high school students in the program, 55 percent improved their math scores and 46.1 percent have improved reading scores.
“Our programs ensure that youths from deserving communities have the opportunity to succeed academically and excel in life,” said Ana Campos, president and executive director of ASAS-LA. “With MetroPCS’ support, we are confident that we will reach more youths with our after-school programs, helping to end the cycle of poverty, crime and violence; giving our students hope for a successful future.”
MetroPCS’ partnership will be recognized during the ASAS-LA’s annual HOPE (Help Other People Everyday) award ceremony on June 15, where inner-city students are recognized for their community service efforts. The celebration, which will take place at Edison Middle School at 6500 Hooper Street, Los Angeles, California 90001, is part of ASAS-LA’s ‘The Entourage’ initiatives– a leadership and community service program that helps students develop leadership skills through discipline and philanthropy. ASAS-LA’s curriculum provides programs like The Entourage that enrich and improve the lives of hundreds of at-risk youth in LA.
“We are tremendously excited about partnering with ASAS-LA – an organization that shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children and families in our community,” said Steve Gerevas, vice president and general manager for MetroPCS Los Angeles. “At MetroPCS, we believe that investing in the future of all kids will build a stronger community, and ASAS programs give young people the life skills needed to succeed today and achieve their dreams.”
In addition to partnering with ASAS to expand programming in seven markets nationwide (Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, San Francisco/Bay Area and South Florida), MetroPCS is supporting the launch of a new ASAS chapter in Dallas this year.
To learn more about the After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles, please visit http://www.la-allstars.org/
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About MetroPCS Communications, Inc.
Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. is a provider of no annual contract, unlimited wireless communications service for a flat-rate. MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States based on number of subscribers served. With Metro USA℠, MetroPCS customers can use their service in areas throughout the United States covering a population of over 280 million people. As of March 31, 2012, MetroPCS had approximately 9.5 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com.
About After School All-Stars
Founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, After-School All-Stars is a leading national provider of year-round, school-based, comprehensive after-school programs that equip children with the skills and experiences needed to become productive members of the 21st century workforce. Every day, children participate in free programs that include academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health/fitness activities designed to keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life. Over 82,000 children from families of poverty benefit in 12 U.S. areas. After-School All-Stars is proud to partner with NBA players in the Hoop Heroes campaign. Each player has pledged to donate per points, assists or rebounds they record during the regular season. Their donations bring more after-school programming to at-risk youth across the country. For more information, visit www.hoopheroes.org or www.as-as.org.
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