In honor of ‘Black Panther’, Disney donates $1 million for STEM initiatives

Black Panther has been a massive success both at the box office and beyond, truly changing the entertainment industry and the culture at large.

Now Disney, inspired by the widespread success of Black Panther, is donating $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to implement STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) centers throughout cities in the country.

Disney CEO Bog Iger detailed that plans in a press release:

“Boys & Girls Clubs of America will use this one-time grant to further develop its existing national STEM curriculum, and establish new STEM Centers of Innovation in 12 communities across the country. The curriculum and new centers will serve and inspire kids and teens, with an emphasis in the following communities: Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Harlem, NY; Hartford, CT; Memphis, TN; New Orleans, LA; Oakland, CA; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC; Watts, CA.”

Further, the press release described the technology that will be provided at the STEM centers:

“Hands-on, advanced technologies that stimulate creative approaches to STEM exploration, including 3-D printers, robotics, high-definition video production and conferencing equipment. In addition, a fully dedicated STEM expert will offer individual and group support, using real-world applications to help Club members develop their STEM skills and critical thinking.”

Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, described the importance of Disney’s donation,

“From hands-on interactive programs to critical thinking, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is committed to providing thousands of young people with the tools they need to prepare for a great future. Thanks to Disney’s support, we can expand our outreach and allow more youth to find their passions and discover STEM careers.”

The move was praised by the cast of Black Panther.

The #BlackPanther movie-ment continues. Thank you to @RobertIger & @Disney for donating $1 MILLION to the @BGCA_Clubs so they can expand their youth STEM programs. You can never go wrong when you invest in kid’s futures. 🙅🏾‍♀️🙅🏾‍♂️ #WakandaForever https://t.co/geVtXRREVm pic.twitter.com/z8SUv7V1G5

— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) February 26, 2018

Hey Everybody, you good? Come share the good news! Disney just donated a MILLION DOLLARS@! to @BGCA_Clubs in honor of @theblackpanther! #WakandaForever #WakandaisHERE #WakandaWithinUS https://t.co/zmWbvtu9ye

— Angela Bassett (@ImAngelaBassett) February 26, 2018

Thank you @Disney for the generous $1 million grant donation to the @BGCA_Clubs in honor of #BlackPanther. I hope that the STEM program expansions in Boys and Girls Clubs will empower more #Shuris! https://t.co/zVXvFiSJsQ

— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) February 26, 2018

It’s pretty cool to see how drastically Black Panther has pushed things forward, both in the entertainment industry and the culture at large. Wakanda forever!