Donor Spotlight: Olympus Corporation of the Americas

Without corporate partnerships, Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania could not adequately serve students in safe and healthy learning hubs, or offer enrichment and family engagement. Corporate partners are the foundation of Communities in Schools, strengthening our ability to help students stay in school and reach their goals.

Olympus Corporation of the Americas is one such partner. For eight years, Olympus has supported Communities In Schools of Eastern PA through school supply collection drives, mentorship programs, school service projects, holiday giving trees, and a generous employee matching gift program. Since 2014, their financial contributions totaled more than $100,000.

Social responsibility plays an essential role in the organization’s business and culture. Starting in 2021, Olympus became a sponsor of the Ready, Set, Graduate! Program, which ensures students are READY for school, SET for success, and GRADUATE with the confidence and skills they need for the future.

“Olympus is proud to partner with Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania and provide opportunities for students to reach their full potential,” said Krista Ortwein, Senior Manager of Community Affairs at Olympus. “As an established global medical technology leader, it is our responsibility to expose students to STEM education and build a pipeline for careers in healthcare and medical technology. We are committed to empowering the students who could be tomorrow’s leaders.”

Employees from the company's Emerging Professionals CAN (Colleague Affinity Network) regularly engage and volunteer with Communities In Schools of Eastern PA. Since the onset of Covid-19, affinity network members have collaborated with teachers from Allentown School District’s Building 21 high school to create a virtual STEM program, a career readiness and mentorship initiative. More than 20 students learn the ins and outs of Olympus’ departments while also working directly with mentors on an interactive project that encourages students to solve problems. The program combines traditional teaching, virtual visits from Olympus presenters, and virtual project planning sessions.

Additionally, two collection drives are held annually benefiting Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania. The Back to School fundraiser occurs at the start of academic years and outfits students with brand new school supplies. The Giving Tree Holiday Collection Drive, an Olympus employee-favorite tradition, assembles hundreds of presents to guarantee students have gifts to open around the holidays.

“Olympus Corporation of the Americas has one purpose in mind: to make people’s lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling in communities around the world,” reflected Maria Esposito, Vice President of Advancement for Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania.

“We are grateful for the strong relationship between Communities In Schools and Olympus. Their dedication and generosity has changed hundreds of lives, and we look forward to seeing their impact continue to expand.”

Interested in learning more about sponsoring Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania? Click here for more information.