Introduction
At Nestlé USA, we feel strongly that education is the key to a brighter future and improving the quality of life for everyone. That's why education, specifically children's literacy, is a top priority and the main focus of Nestlé's community affairs programs in the U.S. In addition to the financial support provided by Nestlé USA, we are proud of our employees' involvement in these programs.
Nestlé “Very Best Volunteers” Adopt-A-School Program
Nestlé Very Best In Youth Program
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)
Nestlé USA Foundation
Nestlé in the Community Globally
Nestlé “Very Best Volunteers” Adopt-A-School Program
"The volunteers from Nestlé helped my students become more confident in their writing and reading skills. I can't thank them enough!"
Mrs. Jane Sierra
Eagle Rock Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA
Through the Nestlé Adopt-A-School program, employees donate thousands of hours each year teaching, being positive role models, and reading to young children at local elementary schools.
More than 1,800 Nestlé employees proudly serve nearly 50 schools throughout the country.
Employee volunteers participate in a number of ways:
- Tutoring – Volunteers spend time leading children in subjects such as English, reading, math, science and computers.
- Pen Friends – Designed to foster one-to-one relationships between a student and a volunteer through the exchange of hand-written letters, "Pen Friends" helps students focus on composition, grammar, and penmanship.
- Speaker's/Reader's Bureau – Volunteers visit individual classrooms to share their knowledge of a subject or read a story.
- Mentoring – Provides a support system for elementary school students who can benefit from a role model through tutoring and self-esteem building exercises.
Nestlé Very Best In Youth Program
Sponsored by Nestlé USA, the Nestlé Very Best In Youth program recognizes exceptional young people all across America who not only excel academically, but also are working to make their community a better place.
Nestlé hosts a four-day award weekend to honor at least 25 Very Best In Youth from over 1,500 applicants across the country. In addition to the awards ceremony, honorees are highlighted in the Nestlé Very Best in Youth book, authored by Nestlé's VP of Community Affairs & Educational Programs, Ken Bentley. The book showcases the sincere, heart-felt contributions of some of America's most talented and community-minded youth
"Nestlé USA is proud to recognize these young people who have inspired others and done so much for their communities," said Ken.
For more information on Nestlé's Very Best In Youth program and how to apply, go to Nestle-VeryBestInYouth.com.
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)
"We are extremely fortunate to have Nestlé as a partner in our work to inspire children to read. With Nestlé's unwavering commitment to children's literacy, together we are making an incredible difference in the lives of numerous children across the country."
- Carol Rasco, Executive Director, RIF
Nestlé has developed a multifaceted partnership with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the country's leading literacy program. Through this partnership, Nestlé has distributed millions of books to elementary school children across the country that are associated with the Nestlé Adopt-A-School program.
In addition, Nestlé sponsors RIF's National Poster Contest, which inspires thousands of children across the country to communicate through artwork their enthusiasm for reading.
For more information on Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) go to Rif.org.
Nestlé USA Foundation
The Nestlé USA Foundation was established to provide funding for programs which focus on children and youth and seek to promote education and literacy. Nestlé USA is proud to support our charitable partners who are investing in tomorrow's leaders and a brighter future. A few of the organizations supported through the Nestlé USA Foundation include:
- Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
- Youth For Understanding
- Young Musicians Foundation
- Kid Space Museum
- Wildlife On Wheels
- Educating Young Minds
Nestlé in the Community Globally
For more information about Nestlé's involvement in community programs throughout the world, please visit Community.Nestle.com