Community bank will support SHARP’s effort to promote reading and STEAM-based programs through sports partnerships

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (October 3, 2019) – With longstanding roots in Milwaukee, Great Midwest Bank has announced a new partnership with SHARP Literacy to promote the nonprofit’s efforts to enhance learning experiences for thousands of young students in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties’ most at-risk schools. The partnership is designed to help SHARP generate awareness for its award-winning, results-oriented programming by leveraging sports partnerships with Marquette University, Fiserv and the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Brewers Community Foundation.

“Through our Simply Giving outreach program, Great Midwest Bank is driven to make a difference in the community we serve by partnering with philanthropic organizations representing a wide range of social issues,” said Dennis Doyle, president of Great Midwest Bank. “We have been extremely impressed by the work of SHARP and are thrilled to partner with SHARP’s team to help improve our community.”

Through the support of Great Midwest Bank, SHARP will amplify its message about the importance of literacy skills for at-risk youth through event activations and promotions with 945 ESPN Milwaukee and 540 ESPN Milwaukee. The sponsorship will generate awareness for SHARP’s educational programs such as Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball team’s “Reading with the Golden Eagles,” “Design Through Code” with Fiserv and the Milwaukee Bucks, and SHARP’s Summer Learning Program, supported by Ryan Braun and the Brewers Community Foundation. “Our partnerships with Milwaukee’s premier sports teams help us advance our mission by engaging students in creative, interactive learning experiences,” said Lynda Kohler, president and CEO for SHARP Literacy. “At the same time, the relationships we have with sports personalities helps us to engage our donors and generate awareness for our education program. We are so thankful to Great Midwest Bank for helping us connect all of our important partners in a way that will foster growth for our organization.”

SHARP’s partnership with the Brewers Community Foundation includes a presenting sponsorship of SHARP’s largest fundraiser, A Novel Event, and the participation of Ryan Braun in SHARP’s Summer Learning Program.  Through Marquette University and the Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball team, athletes spend time reading with 4K – 5^th grade students in seven Milwaukee-area schools and discuss the importance of reading in all aspects of their education. With the support of Fiserv and the Milwaukee Bucks, SHARP is able to incorporate financial literacy education into the “Design Through Code” program, which teaches technology, life skills and design to 1,100 4^th and 5^th grade students in 11 Milwaukee- and Waukesha-area schools.

SHARP Literacy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Milwaukee nonprofit educational program whose mission is to partner with educators to foster a love of learning and advance children’s futures through innovative STEAM-based experiences and programs. The primary goal of SHARP Literacy is to provide elementary school students with an imaginative learning experience that builds confidence, self-esteem, and a greater awareness of the world. This year SHARP Literacy, Inc. will impart foundational literacy skills to over 8,500 elementary school students and educators in 41 of Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties’ most at-risk schools. For more information, visit www.sharpliteracy.org.