First Literacy Honors State Street Corporation for Supporting Adult Literacy for Over a Decade
BOSTON, MA – On Thursday, April 7, at First Literacy’s 32nd annual Spelling Bee, State Street Corporation received special recognition; by being the first to receive the “First Literacy Champion Award”. This award was given in gratitude to State Street, a longtime supporter of First Literacy and its work supporting adult literacy.
According to Jeff Beale, Chair of First Literacy’s Board of Directors, “State Street’s support of this event helped gather the support of other prestigious firms in Boston in the early days of the Bee, and it still helps First Literacy recruit great firms to the cause today.”
In past years, State Street has sponsored the event at their corporate facility in Boston and has fielded many corporate spelling bee teams over the years. State Street has contributed over $150,000 to supporting the work of First Literacy, its programs, and most importantly the adult learners who benefit.
Lou Maiuri, Chief Operating Officer at State Street Corporation, accepted the award on State Street’s behalf.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award on State Street’s behalf,” said Maiuri. “First Literacy has a rich history of providing important services to our community. Their work has helped thousands of adult learners and educators across Massachusetts by funding innovation in adult literacy that is changing lives. We look forward to continuing our relationship in order to create better outcomes for individuals, the community and our businesses.”
Corey Groves, Managing Director at State Street & First Literacy Board Member, Terry Witherell, Executive Director at First Literacy, and Lou Maiuri, Chief Operating Officer at State Street Corporation.
Maiuri has served as the Honorary Chair of the Host Committee for this event for the past four years. In addition, a special thank you was extended to Corey Groves, Managing Director at State Street, who is a member of First Literacy’s Board of Directors and a great advocate of First Literacy’s work.
“Adult literacy is an often overlooked yet persistent issue in the United States and in Massachusetts”, says Terry Witherell, Executive Director. “We are grateful to organizations like State Street that recognize the importance of our work.”
Adult literacy can change everything – from earning potential, to a child’s academic success, to recidivism rates. First Literacy envisions a world in which all adults are able to reach their full potential and support the continuum of Adult Basic Education (ABE) by offering free professional development workshops for teachers, grants for innovative new programs, and scholarships to adults continuing to higher education or vocational training.
Since First Literacy was established in 1989, over 50,000 adults have benefitted, improving their lives through the power of education. First Literacy has allocated more than $6 million to support teachers and innovative literacy programs. First Literacy’s impact is far-reaching and life changing.