\u201cThe field trip to Diggerland was an amazing opportunity that allowed for our students to engage in a fun, hands-on learning experience. \u00a0I don\u2019t think the students fully realized that they were learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Math as they interacted with the construction machinery. Throughout the trip, it was exciting to see the students take ownership of their own learning experience by exploring, experimenting and challenging themselves,\u201d said Roosevelt\u2019s Community School Coordinator Nashira Williams of Communities In Schools of the Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The idea started earlier this year when Capital BlueCross Senior Labor Relations Consultant and TeenWorks Board Member Gregg Potter saw a television advertisement for Diggerland USA. Located in New Jersey, this hands-on theme park allows children and adults to safely interact with heavy construction equipment. Knowing that union managers face challenges in staffing their projects, that free apprenticeships offer a path to high-paying jobs and that most of the children at Roosevelt live at or below the federal poverty level, Potter recognized the opportunity.<\/p>\n \u201cBy providing career opportunities to children at a young age, we will get greater rewards in a short time.\u00a0We can offer students exposure to well-paying jobs and help to grow the middle class.\u00a0At the same time, we can assist the building trades as they replenish their aging workforce and add diversity to their ranks,\u201d remarked Potter.<\/p>\n The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542 sponsored the bus ride for this trip, and Healthy You Caf\u00e9 at the Capital Blue store supplied food and beverages for the children. TeenWorks provided funding for the admission tickets.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a collaboration between Lehigh Valley labor unions and local teens, part of TeenWorks\u2019 mission is to help young people understand the critical role our unions and trades play in our lives every day. This field trip provided a fun and engaging opportunity to make that connection for kids and spark their interest in careers that can pay more than $80,000 per year. We hope to see some of these students on the TeenWorks Board in a few years,\u201d said Daniella De Leon, Director, Labor Relations, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n Roosevelt Elementary School is a United Way Community School in partnership with Communities In Schools of the Lehigh Valley. Financial support is provided by Corporate Partner Capital BlueCross and TeenWorks. Capital BlueCross staff, TeenWorks board members and Lehigh Valley organized labor provide hundreds of hours of volunteer service to the school and its students.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley<\/strong> About United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley TeenWorks\u2122<\/strong> About Allentown Area School District<\/strong><\/p>\n The Allentown School District serves nearly 17,000 students in a network of 25 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools throughout the city of Allentown, PA. The Allentown School District is the third largest urban school district out of 500 districts in the Commonwealth. The District\u2019s Mission states that each and every student will graduate college and career ready by having their individual needs met through active engagement in a rigorous, safe and nurturing learning environment. Our core values reflect a commitment to excellence, partnership and equity.\u00a0 The Allentown School District employs approximately 2,400 teachers, staff and administrators. Founded in 1866, ASD serves students from 51 countries speaking 26 languages with nearly 90 percent household qualifying as low income. www.allentownsd.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n About Capital BlueCross<\/strong><\/p>\n Capital BlueCross, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is the leading health solutions and insurance company in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. A partner in the community\u2019s health for 80 years, Capital BlueCross offers health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for our customers.<\/p>\n More than a health insurer, the company delivers innovative solutions through a family of diversified businesses that is creating a healthier future and lowering health care costs. Among these solutions are patient-focused care models, leading-edge data analytics, and digital health technologies. Additionally, Capital BlueCross is growing a network of Capital Blue stores that provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit capbluecross.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Diggerland-2-1.jpg\")
Allentown, PA October 12, 2018 \u2013 <\/strong>A group of Allentown students recently spent the day testing their dexterity on a high-ropes course, flying through the sky on a zip line and sitting in the driver\u2019s seats of farm tractors, dumper trucks and other pieces of construction equipment. The students, who participated in Roosevelt Elementary School\u2019s Summer Bear Club, explored careers in Building & Construction Trades during a field trip to Diggerland USA with support provided by Capital BlueCross and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley TeenWorksTM<\/sup>.<\/p>\n
\nThe mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community.\u00a0 We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley. <\/strong>www.UnitedWayGLV.org<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Formed in 1999, TeenWorks\u2122 is a collaboration between Lehigh Valley labor unions and local teens. The TeenWorks\u2122 board is made up of a diverse group of teens and adults who help to encourage and endow young, local applicants who want to better their communities. To date, TeenWorks\u2122 has funded more than 500 projects with dollars exceeding $500,000 through United Way workplace campaign donations. <\/strong>www.UnitedwayGLV.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nInformation provided to TVL by:
\nLaura McHugh\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nDirector, Communications and Media Relations\u00a0
\nUnited Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
\nCelebrating 100 years of service to the Lehigh Valley.
\n1110 American Parkway NE\u00a0\u00a0Suite F-120 \u00a0Allentown, PA 18109\u00a0\u00a0
\nwww.unitedwayglv.org\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n
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