U.S. Cellular is offering resources to local schools

U.S. Cellular announced that its “Community Connections” program is back to provide sponsorship support to local youth organizations.

Since the program launched in 2015, the company has awarded nearly $900,000 in sponsorship dollars to more than 2,200 school groups and youth sports teams, according to a news release.

Academic and athletic groups in Oklahoma can sign up at www.pearup. com/uscellular to participate in the program and become eligible to receive sponsorship.

“U.S. Cellular is excited to continue supporting local youth organizations through Community Connections. This program rewards groups that provide youth with meaningful experiences and opportunities,” said Jeff Heeley, director of sales, corporate-owned channel at U.S. Cellular in Oklahoma.

Through the Community Connections program, U.S. Cellular has sponsored thousands of local youth groups, school programs and sports teams, such as little leagues, youth soccer clubs, school dance teams and bands.

Once an interested group signs up at the website, it has 10 days to generate support from neighbors, friends, family and the community to earn money by completing tasks such as following U.S. Cellular on its social channels, watching a video or answering a survey. The money goes directly to the organization or group, and each group can earn up to $1,000 that can be used toward uniforms, equipment or other program needs.

The Community Connections program is a collaboration between U.S. Cellular and Pear, an online platform that connects local brands with local community needs. Last year, U.S. Cellular contributed $1.3 million to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education programs through its partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the National 4-H Council.