Pratt & Whitney (P&W), a unit of Raytheon Technologies, has made a significant commitment to support the economic equity work of the Urban League of Greater Hartford (ULGH). The commitment comes on the heels of years of sponsorships, in-kind services, and volunteer hours. This pledge includes an immediate charitable donation of $100,000 in addition to P&W’s ongoing institutional partnership. The landmark grant was announced on February 18th at the ULGH’s Black History Month Celebration, “A Legacy Revealed – Paths to Purpose,” a virtual cultural event that honored the achievements and contributions of Greater Hartford’s women of color.
“Pratt & Whitney is presenting $100,000 to the Urban League of Greater Hartford now because we know that the community it serves has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways,” explains Earl Exum, President of International Aero Engines, AG (a Pratt & Whitney joint venture company) and longtime ULGH Board Executive Committee member. “Our company has been supporting the Urban League of Greater Hartford for more than two decades and we have seen the dramatic impact that its hands-on programs and committed staff make on the lives of Hartford-area residents. Our partnership with the organization also provides volunteer opportunities for Pratt & Whitney employees who seek diversity and inclusion engagement outside of the workplace and find significant value in an association with the Urban League as one of the oldest and most instrumental social and economic justice organizations.”
“This generous contribution of $100,000 from Pratt & Whitney will provide immediate funding for a variety of our critical adult and youth initiatives such as job training, career counseling, STEM programming, and academic support in alignment with Goodwin University, Asnuntuck College and Capital Community College,” says David Hopkins, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Hartford. The organization’s programs and operations impact more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development, housing, community health, and social justice. “The annual value of the partnership with Pratt & Whitney actually exceeds the donation in the form of employee representation and insight on our Board of Directors and Young Professionals auxiliary, and sponsorship of our annual ‘Equality Opportunity Day’ and ‘Empowerment Week’ events, and the support from hundreds of its workers increase our capacity to serve the community. Pratt & Whitney’s Employee Resource Groups’ volunteerism includes food and toy collections by its African American Forum and its Women’s Forum’s support of our STEM programs.”
Over the past 20 years, Pratt & Whitney has received several recognitions from the Urban League of Greater Hartford, including the “Corporate Partners Award” in 2018. Still, the East Hartford based corporation feels compelled to do more. “We are very pleased to intensify our relationship with the Urban League at this critical time and look forward to our work together in the future,” adds Exum. “We encourage other Connecticut companies to step forward and demonstrate corporate social responsibility to support hard hit communities-in-need.”
Pratt & Whitney, a unit of Raytheon Technologies (NYSE:RTX), is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. To learn more about P&W and RTX, visit www.prattwhitney.com and www.rtx.com.
The Urban League of Greater Hartford, Inc. (ULGH) is a community-based, not-for-profit 501(c)3. Established in 1964 as the National Urban League’s 66th affiliate, its mission is to reduce the economic disparities in Greater Hartford’s communities through programs and services in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development and training, economic enrichment, health and wellness, and social justice. For information about the ULGH, visit www.ulgh.org or call 860-527-0147. Follow us on social media @ulgh64.