Three Austin-area nonprofits receive special donation as part of Black History

During Black History Month in February, our employees voted to help Samsung Austin Semiconductor select three community partners to receive a special contribution to support their great work in our community. In early April, we presented checks to the following nonprofits:

• Texas Alliance For Minorities in Engineering (TAME) received $3,000
  • Started in 1976, TAME creates equitable experiences for students from underrepresented groups to explore futures in engineering.
• Breakthrough Central Texas received $1,500
  • Breakthrough Central Texas creates a path to and through college for students who will become the first in their families to earn a college degree.
• Austin Area Urban League (AAUL) received $500
  • AAUL provides tools to African Americans and underserved populations to build a foundation for social and economic equity and equality.

Breakthrough Central Texas is currently serving 3,000 students. The nonprofit's director of corporate partnerships, Kate Garrett, said this donation will help them work towards their goals. "We are working to help first generation students become the first in their families to go to college and earn a degree," Garrett said. "We are grateful for Samsung Austin Semiconductor's support and our partners to help us reach our goals." Shauntice Rutley, outreach and community engagement coordinator for AAUL, said these types of donations will help their organization move forward, progress and grow. "These funds go right back into the community," explained Rutley. "Our number one goal is to make sure our community needs are met." As part of AAUL's education and youth development initiatives, Rutley said they are always looking for mentors. "There are so many black and brown boys and girls who are aspiring to something great but don't have a person who has walked in the footsteps before them that would be able to show them the direction of success." Andrea Herrera Moreno, executive director of TAME, echoes the need for mentors to encourage students to consider engineering as a career. "On a partnership level, this gives us an opportunity to learn about Samsung Austin Semiconductor and connect with awesome role models who we desperately need," said Moreno. "Students don't know what an engineer looks like, or what it is. It's on us to demystify that. So adults can nourish and support the students and steward them to that career." Samsung Austin Semiconductor is proud to support these organizations that are making a meaningful difference in the community.