Radio Systems® Corporation (RSC), an industry leader in the development of innovative pet behavioral, containment and lifestyle products through its PetSafe® Brand, Invisible Fence® Brand and SportDOG® Brand, has donated $20,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley to support the organization’s new YouthForce Program, which will provide teens with the essential skills for workforce success.
“With 60% of jobs requiring some type of job training beyond high school, and the teen unemployment rate currently at 15%, programs that teach teens job and workforce readiness skills are crucial,” said Bart McFadden, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “We are extremely grateful for the generous grant from Radio Systems Corporation to help us achieve our goal of preparing teens for career success while also providing local companies with the skilled workforce they need to succeed.”
The YouthForce Program consists of three key components, including YouthForce University, which teaches teens how to apply for, obtain and maintain a job; Technical Training Program, where teens will receive training and learn specific job skills related to their area of interest; and Job-Ready and Career-Ready Paid Internship/Employment Programs, where teens seeking summer or seasonal employment to build job skills will complete a “Job-Ready” internship, while teens looking to explore various career paths will complete a “Career-Ready” internship at various partner agencies.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley does such incredible work in advancing youth education in our community,” said Wendy Williams, Team Lead of the Philanthropy Committee for Radio Systems. “We’re honored to be a part of their mission and help prepare teens to join the workforce while also providing our local companies with the talent they need to support their business.”
The RSC grant will be used to provide funds for paid internships and technical training programs, as well as program supplies, transportation and other job-related costs for participants. For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley or the YouthForce program, visit https://bgctnv.org.
About Radio Systems® Corporation
Radio Systems® Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer of pet products headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn. but with remote offices in various places across the globe. The Radio Systems Corporation family of brands includes PetSafe® Brand, Invisible Fence® Brand and SportDOG® Brand. Since its founding in 1991, Radio Systems has grown into an international corporation selling in over 52 countries, and is a company driven by innovation and dedication to their customers and communities. The Radio Systems Corporation portfolio includes a wide array of electronic training and containment systems, waste management products, nutritional supplements, innovative treats, and much more.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Clubs serve over 7,900 youth and teens in grades K-12 with quality programming all summer and after school. There are 18 locations in Knox, Blount, Loudon and North Anderson Counties. Club sites include: 6 school-based Clubs, 6 in traditional settings, 4 in public housing, 1 at Knox County Juvenile Court and 1 church-based Club. Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place for kids to learn and have fun while developing healthy relationships with concerned and capable adults. Club programming gives young people the tools they need to achieve academic success, live a healthy lifestyle and develop good character. GREAT FUTURES START HERE. To learn more, visit www.bgctnv.org, www.facebook.com/bgctnv and www.twitter.com/bgctnv.