In celebration of Black Panther’s overwhelming box office success, The Walt Disney Company is donating $1 million to help develop the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs.
BGCA will use the funds to grow its national curriculum and expand its outreach by building 12 new STEM Centers of Innovation around the country, including in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Harlem, Hartford, Memphis, New Orleans, Oakland, Orlando, Philadelphia, Washington, and Watts.
Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a statement, “Marvel Studios’ Black Panther is a masterpiece of movie making and has become an instant cultural phenomenon, sparking discussion, inspiring people young and old, and breaking down age-old industry myths.”
“It is thrilling to see how inspired young audiences were by the spectacular technology in [Black Panther], “so it’s fitting that we show our appreciation by helping advance STEM programs for youth, especially in underserved areas of the country, to give them the knowledge and tools to build the future they want.”
BGCA’s Centers of Innovation offer a variety of hands-on experiences for youth interested in learning about advanced technologies, including 3D printing, robotics, and video production.
The record-breaking film has earned $400 million in North America so far.
