Black Panther has shattered the box office worldwide and as a token of appreciation, parent company Disney has donated $1 million to help expand the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s youth STEM program.
After raking in more than $700 million worldwide and hitting the landmark of being the second-best second-week box office take in cinematic history, Disney is set to contribute to the programs that help support and develop high-tech skills using science, technology, engineering, and math.
“Marvel Studios’ Black Panther is a masterpiece of movie making and has become an instant cultural phenomenon, sparking discussion, inspiring people young and old, and breaking down age-old industry myths,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Disney. “It is thrilling to see how inspired young audiences were by the spectacular technology in the film, so it’s fitting that we show our appreciation by helping advance STEM programs for youth, especially in underserved areas of the country, to give them the knowledge and tools to build the future they want.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Centers of Innovation provide youth with hands-on, advanced technologies that stimulate creative approaches to STEM exploration, including 3-D printers, robotics, high-definition video production and conferencing equipment. A fully dedicated STEM expert will offer individual and group support, using real-world applications to help Club members develop their STEM skills and critical thinking.
Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement to CNN that it was “thrilling to see how inspired young audiences were by the spectacular technology in the film.”
“It’s fitting that we show our appreciation by helping advance STEM programs for youth, especially in underserved areas of the country, to give them the knowledge and tools to build the future they want,” he added.
The organization will use the one-time grant to establish new STEM centers to serve kids and teens, with a particular focus on Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington.
Disney has donated to the Boys & Girls Club before. Last December, the company announced that its parks division would donate $1.1 million to the organization in central Florida.
