From U.S. Cellular

GREENVILLE — U.S. Cellular announced its Community Connections program is back for the third consecutive year 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. Beginning today, academic and athletic groups (K-12) in eastern North Carolina can sign up at www.pearup.com/uscellular to participate in this program and become eligible to receive sponsorship from the company to go toward the needs of their group.

“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 Jeremy Taylor, director of sales at U.S. Cellular in eastern North Carolina. “As we begin the third year of this program, it is clear that countless deserving organizations exist, and we are proud to be able to have a positive impact on the communities where we live and work.”

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 their community to earn money by completing simple tasks, such as following U.S. Cellular on its social channels, watching a video or answering a short survey. This 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. In 2016, U.S Cellular contributed $1.3 million to K-12 science-, technology-, engineering- and math-focused education programs through its partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and National 4-H Council.