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BlackRock Partners with ARCS Foundation Atlanta to Fund STEM Scholars Who Will Change the World

Posted on Thursday, October 1, 2020
ATLANTA, GA, October 1, 2020……ARCS® Foundation Atlanta Chapter is pleased to announce that asset manager BlackRock, Inc. has committed more than $100,000 to help ARCS Atlanta fund Georgia science students. ARCS Foundation advances US science and technology by providing financial awards to academically outstanding US citizens studying science, engineering, and medical research. Since 1992, ARCS Atlanta Chapter has awarded nearly $6 million through 900+ individual awards to students at Emory University, Georgia Tech, Morehouse College, and University of Georgia.
BlackRock will sponsor six ARCS Scholars over the next three years: two graduate ARCS Scholars for three-year awards at Georgia Tech’s College of Computing, and one three-year award for an ARCS Scholar in Epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Three Morehouse men will each receive BlackRock ARCS Scholar Awards as well. In addition, BlackRock will sponsor the ARCS Atlanta Chapter’s 2020-21 series of virtual events.
The collaboration between ARCS Atlanta and BlackRock is aligned with the firm’s business goals.  BlackRock’s growing presence in Atlanta came with a commitment to give back to the community, hire a local workforce representative of the region, and increase engagement with its clients in the southeast.
Peter Williams, director and head of BlackRock Community Strategy and Operations of Atlanta says, “Partnering with ARCS Atlanta to fund scholars who will change the world is a strategic investment for BlackRock. BlackRock is focused on solving the world’s most complex problems, and that approach requires research, technology, and the engagement of many diverse minds.” He adds, “Not only do we want to give back and help support outstanding STEM students, but importantly, we seek collaboration with academia and professionals outside of our industry who will help make us stronger. Our partnership with ARCS Atlanta enables those relationships.”
ARCS Atlanta Chapter president, Leslie Petter comments on the connection between ARCS and BlackRock: “We are delighted to welcome BlackRock to the ARCS Atlanta family. BlackRock is committed to purpose-driven leadership, and its support of ARCS Scholars in science and technology perfectly aligns with our shared belief that research and innovation are essential to our nation's growth, economic well-being, and quality of life. We look forward to a long relationship with this important addition to the ARCS community."
About BlackRock: BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, our clients turn to BlackRock for the solutions they need when planning for their most important goals. As of June 30, 2020, the firm managed approximately $7.32 trillion in assets on behalf of investors worldwide. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit blackrock.com/corporate.
About BlackRock Atlanta: New York-based BlackRock has selected Atlanta for the location of its newest innovation hub citing Atlanta's impressive talent and collaborative business community as key themes of the selection criteria. The new center will investigate global financial challenges and work locally to leverage technology and the creative brainpower of Atlanta to provide scalable solutions. Its state-of-the art home at 725 Ponce along the Atlanta Beltlines currently houses a staff of 350. Led by Claude Wade, Managing Director, Head of Client Experience and the Atlanta iHub, it will ultimately provide 1,000 new high-tech jobs in the area. For additional information on BlackRock Atlanta iHub, please visit careers.blackrock.com.
 
About ARCS® Foundation:  ARCS Foundation is a national nonprofit volunteer women’s organization that promotes American competitiveness by supporting talented US citizens working to complete degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and health disciplines at the nation's leading research colleges and universities. Since 1958, the organization has awarded more than $120 million to more than 10,000 students. ARCS Scholars have produced thousands of research publications and patents, secured billions in grant funding, started science related companies, and played a significant role in teaching and mentoring young people in the STEM pipeline. Learn more at arcsfoundation.org.
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Media Contact:
Ellen Adair Wyche
ARCS Atlanta Public Relations Chair
404-376-1694
eawyche@thewychgroup.com