CA Technologies kicked off CA Together in Action, the company’s annual employee volunteer initiative. From Monday, April 17 to Friday, April 21, CA employees around the world will take time out of their workday to give back in the communities where they live and work.
This is the 12th anniversary of the initiative, which takes place the week leading up to Earth Day and focuses largely on the advancement of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and the environment.
CA Together in Action activities in the U.S. are scheduled to take place in Boulder, CO; Charlotte, NC; Framingham, MA; Herndon, VA; Islandia, NY; New York, NY; Plano, TX; Portsmouth, NH; San Juan, PR; and Santa Clara, CA. Global projects are scheduled in Asia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom.
“Since its inception in 2005, participation in CA Together in Action has continued to grow, showing the commitment our colleagues around the globe have to sharing their time and talents with those in need,” said Erica Christensen, vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, CA Technologies. “As a software company, we’re particularly invested in helping to close the STEM skills gap. CA Together in Action is one of many ways we’re working to encourage the next generation of tech leaders.”
CA is partnering with organizations like Code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color; and STEM Alliance in Europe, an organization that inspires young people to consider careers in STEM. Several activities are also being held with long-time partners, including El Peñón IAP, Growing Gardens, Island Harvest, PENCIL and Robert Moses State Park.
“We are proud to partner with CA Technologies to help bring computer science education to all students,” said HadiPartovi, CEO and Founder, Code.org. “During CA Together in Action, CA Technologies employees will have the opportunity to join the Hour of Code movement which has brought computer science opportunities to students year-round.”
“We always look forward to hosting CA Technologies here at Growing Gardens each year,” said Lauren Kelso, site director. “The volunteers are always so enthusiastic about helping out and also bring an awesome skill set. This year the group will be using their skills to build a wind block for our bee enclosure and planting seeds and seedlings in our pollinator garden, both of which are super important to sustaining the future success of our gardens.”
“STEM Alliance is very pleased to have CA Technologies onboard as a founding partner. Collaboration between schools and industry is a vital step in addressing the skills gap to help make teachers and pupils more aware of STEM study paths and careers. Through these connections, we can raise young peoples' awareness of the skills needed to pursue careers in STEM,” said Marc Durando, Executive Director of European Schoolnet, a network of 31 European Ministries of Education.
Over CA Together in Action’s history, more than 60,000 employee volunteer hours have been given, and more than 1,200 projects have been completed. CA employees are encouraged to use up to five workdays each year to give back. In addition, CA matches employee donations of up to $10,000 each fiscal year.
