LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the It
Gets Better Project, the world's largest storytelling effort to
uplift LGBTQ+ youth, launched a new school-based grant initiative,
50 States. 50 Grants. 5,000 Voices. Through this new
initiative, grants of up to $10K
each will be awarded to at least one middle and/or high school in
every U.S. state, including U.S. territories, and funds will
support projects to uplift and support the wellbeing of local
LGBTQ+ students. The grant opportunities are made possible by the
generous support of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) through
customer donations from all 50 states via their Real Rewards
loyalty program, as well as in-store pin-pad promotion during Pride
Month 2021.
The applications for grant opportunities opened today, and queer
(LGBTQ+) students ages 13-18 can apply in partnership with a
faculty advisor, educator, or school administrator by preparing a
proposal at www.itgetsbetter.org/50states50grants. Potential
projects might include a school Gender and Sexuality Alliance
(GSA), a mural highlighting heroes of the LGBTQ+ history movement,
a school float in a local Pride parade, and more.
Grants will be prioritized to schools that demonstrate a diverse
student population, have a recognized Title I status, have shown
documented support for LGBTQ+ students, and have established a GSA
or a similar club. Eligibility criteria, sample project themes and
more can be found at www.itgetsbetter.org/50states50grants. The
applications will close in February
2022 and final recipients will be announced in June during
Pride Month 2022.
"Connecting LGBTQ+ youth to their community is a number one
priority of the It Gets Better Project. In partnership with AEO's
American Eagle and Aerie brands, the 50 States. 50 Grants. 5,000
Voices. initiative will provide opportunities to enhance
existing or introduce new programming to help LGBTQ+ youth find and
connect with their community at school," said Brian Wenke, Executive Director of the It Gets
Better Project. "Our five-year partnership with AEO is the
perfect example of how brands and nonprofits can work together to
create meaningful change in the world."
"Through the generosity of our American Eagle and Aerie
customers, AEO is honored to support the It Gets Better Project in
launching this important grant initiative. Prioritizing LGBTQ+
youth and building more positive, inclusive communities in schools
is how we can help create real change," said Jennifer Foyle, President - Executive Creative
Director, AE and Aerie. "AEO's continued support of the It Gets
Better Project is led by our shared passion for inspiring change
and empowering LGBTQ+ youth, as well as fostering a safe space for
everyone to be their most authentic selves."
Since their initial partnership in 2017, AEO has generated more
than $3 million for the It Gets
Better Project. In 2019, AEO became the It Gets Better Project's
first Legacy Partner, signifying lifetime contributions of
$1 million or more.
Further information on upcoming projects will be available at
www.itgetsbetter.org.
About the It Gets Better Project
The It Gets Better
Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that strives to uplift,
empower and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. Created in 2010
as the result of one of the most successful viral campaigns in
YouTube's history, the It Gets Better Project provides critical
support and hope to LGBTQ+ youth around the world by leveraging the
power of media to reach millions of people each year. The project
has expanded its origins in storytelling and media to include
educational resources through It Gets Better EDU and reaches 18
countries outside of the U.S. through It Gets Better Global.
The project has garnered support from President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and former Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton, along with numerous
celebrities, including Kelly
Clarkson, Gabrielle Union,
Zachary Quinto, Mj Rodriguez,
Josie Totah, and Gigi Gorgeous. More
than 600,000 people have taken the It Gets Better pledge to share
messages of hope and speak up against intolerance. Please
visit www.itgetsbetter.org for more information, and join the
conversation on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter at @ItGetsBetter;
Facebook.com/ItGetsBetterProject; and
YouTube.com/ItGetsBetterProject.
About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
American Eagle
Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer
offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal
care products at affordable prices under its American EagleĀ® and
AerieĀ® brands. Our purpose is to show the world that there's REAL
power in the optimism of youth. The company operates stores in
the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong
Kong, and ships to 81 countries worldwide through its
websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at
more than 200 international locations operated by licensees in 33
countries. For more information, please visit www.aeo-inc.com.
Media Contacts
It Gets Better Project
Angela Keane, Metro Public
Relations
angela@metropublicrelations.com
AEO Inc.
Olivia Messina
LineMedia@ae.com
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SOURCE It Gets Better Project