#United States #CARY #STEM Education #SAS Championship #YMCA of the Triangle

SAS Championship Brings STEM to Life

As the prestigious SAS Championship celebrates its 25th anniversary, the event is not only showcasing world-class golf but also placing a significant emphasis on community engagement through educational initiatives. This year, SAS, a global leader in analytics, has partnered with YMCA of the Triangle to launch an inspiring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) donation drive aimed at providing essential classroom supplies for local educators in need.

Supporting Educators

According to the National Education Association, many teachers across the United States are frequently burdened with covering their classroom expenses out of pocket, with STEM educators spending up to $1,000 out of their own funds annually. Recognizing this pressing issue, SAS and the YMCA are rallying community donations to ease these financial pressures and equip schools with the necessary tools to foster learning in STEM.

The online STEM donation drive runs from September 24 to October 12, parallel to the SAS Championship, which is scheduled for October 6-12 at the renowned Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, North Carolina. The funds collected will support the purchase of STEM supplies for schools that are in desperate need of resources.

Fun for Families

This year’s SAS Championship is more than just a golf tournament; it’s also a family celebration. Alongside the competitive atmosphere featuring legendary golfers, the event will host activities that aim to motivate kids about technology and its potential. One highlight is “Fairway to Fun” day, set for October 10, which will offer an AI-focused experience zone packed with interactive activities and prizes. Families completing activities in this zone will receive a complimentary one-week YMCA pass, encouraging them to engage further with community programs.

“While we relish in the thrill of competitive golf, it’s significant to remember that we’re here to strengthen our community bonds,” said Jenn Chase, CMO of SAS. She emphasized how last year's launch of Fairway to Fun added a new dimension to the tournament and illustrated how technology could nurture creativity and problem-solving skills among the youth.

Exciting Events

The SAS Championship is also layered with various community-focused events throughout the week:

• - HBCU Invitational (October 10-12): This event invites 16 teams from historically Black colleges and universities, awarding up to $30,000 in honorariums for their golf programs. The participating students also benefit from a Career Day at SAS headquarters, providing valuable networking and mentorship opportunities.
• - Women’s Day (October 7): The 12th annual Women’s Day will focus on themes of health, leadership, and growth, empowering attendees to adapt to the swiftly changing landscape of today’s world.
• - Folds of Honor Friday (October 10): This poignant occasion honors service members and first responders, featuring ceremonies and the awarding of scholarships to local students. SAS contributes $30,000 to this honorable cause, helping to fund scholarships for families of fallen or disabled military personnel.

Community Impact

The longstanding collaboration between the SAS Championship and YMCA of the Triangle has proven powerful over the years, having directed more than $6 million towards youth education initiatives, including the Y Learning program. This year underscores SAS’s continued dedication to education, innovation, and community services.

Kim Keith, Vice President of Youth Development at YMCA of the Triangle, remarked, “The generosity of SAS Championship fans significantly impacts our Y Learning students and teachers. These supplies alleviate financial pressures on educators and facilitate the success of every student.”

As the event draws near, excitement builds around how the SAS Championship not only showcases the prowess of golf legends but also profoundly contributes to the community's educational landscape. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht of Cary expressed his pride in hosting the event, saying, “The impact of the SAS Championship reaches various facets of our community, while also celebrating 25 years of golfing excellence.”

Come and join the festivities and witness how you can contribute to local STEM education while enjoying this landmark event at Prestonwood Country Club.