SALT LAKE CITY — A team of community and corporate volunteers from Fidelity Investments will visit Bryant Middle School next month to make needed improvements and show their support for education.
The school was one of 11 selected by the national investment firm, which is hoping to support dropout prevention efforts by helping out schools. Fidelity has about 1,200 employees at its downtown Salt Lake office, and about 100 of them are expected pitch in on Aug. 14 to revamp Bryant's greenhouse and spiff up the hallways with motivational quotes and posters.
"We're really excited," said Frances Battle, principal at the middle school. "It's always great to have additional resources, as well as partners."
Over the course of the school year, the company will continue to provide to support, Battle said, with plans in the works to provide additional computers for the school and hopefully get some more tutors and mentors to meet with students throughout the year.
Fidelity is partnering with the HandsOn Network, a large-scale volunteer organization, to make the improvements a reality.
"It really is a community event," said Sheila Cavanaugh, senior vice president of Fidelity.
Fidelity selected one school from each of the 11 regions where it has offices — focusing on middle schools because it's a critical time to prepare students so they won't drop out before graduation. Nearly half of all high school dropouts quit in the ninth grade, according to Fidelity.
The company considered criteria such as significant maintenance needs, number of students and proximity to Fidelity regional offices when determining which schools to select.
The schools were announced in April, and the next month, the company sought out community and school feedback on what changes need to be made at the school.
"We conducted a very robust brainstorming session," Cavanaugh said.
"Staffers identified projects that would help support dropout prevention efforts by inspiring students on the importance of college and a life of meaningful work," according to press materials.
Battle said her school provides great opportunities for children as it is, but it will be great to have the local support of volunteers, as well as the monetary support of the national company.
"It is my belief that in order for a school to be successful, you need to have buying-in from all stake holders, and the business sector is an important part," Battle said.
e-mail: mfarmer@desnews.com