Community Outreach
AOBA is dedicated to making a significant difference in our community. Each year, Association members, along with hard-working volunteers on the Associates Coalition Team’s (ACT) Charity and Community Events Committee, focus on several projects to assist local nonprofits that focus on improving the lives of our region's children. These organizations benefit from AOBA’s generous contributions in terms of volunteer hours, in-kind services and direct funding.
AOBA's Community Outreach Programs Make Significant Impact
James E. Duckworth School
Each year, AOBA supports the James E. Duckworth School in Prince George's County, since this school for children with disabilities has ongoing needs that can not be met by the County's Board of Education. For example, in 2008, the Association successfully raised $7,000 to purchase a "Tango" communication device. In 2010, AOBA will raise funds for an awning for the school's playground.
In addition, each spring, AOBA staff and volunteers converge on the school for a Clean Up Day, prior to the school's Special Olympic Challenge Day in May. Thanks to all members who volunteered for the successful Clean Up Day on April 30 and for the terrific Special Olympics Challenge Day on May 21.
Offering unique services to students with disabilities who live in DC and Prince George's County, Duckworth's award-winning instructional program helps students achieve their personal best and attain maximum independence. Over the past decade, AOBA members have raised over $100,000. Pictured: AOBA member volunteers at the annual Special Olympics Challenge Day in May.
Scholarship Program
 |
| Pictured: AOBA's Lesa Hoover (far right) and Southern Management's David Hillman (far left) pose with 2009 AOBA Scholars at the annual scholarship awards program. |
In conjunction with Prince George's County Community College, AOBA sponsors an annual Scholarship Program for students in Prince George's County. Graduates of Prince George's County high schools may receive up to $6,000 in paid tuition to Prince George's Community College over a two-year period.
Since its inception in 1996, the AOBA Scholarship program has provided financial, mentoring and internship support to 96 Prince George’s County students. Most of these students have completed study at PGCC, and many are now employed by AOBA members.
DC School Supplies
 |
|
Pictured: AOBA Past President John Ritz of William C. Smith (far right) delivered the calculators to Coolidge Principal Thelma Jarrett. Joining Ritz were Councilmember Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4), AOBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs for DC, Nicola Whiteman, Esq. (far left). |
For the 2009-2010 academic year, 39 members contributed more than $5,000 to purchase 40 graphing calculators for Calvin Coolidge Sr. High School students in Ward 4.
AOBA is raising funds to purchase calculators for students of Joel Elias Spingarn Senior High School in Ward 5. Thanks to all members who contributed to this 4th Annual DC School Supplies Drive!
