The initiative has taken shape over the past several months as SimplexGrinnell, Tyco International and the United Way of North Central Massachusetts joined forces to expand United Way Youth Venture, which empowers students to design and launch lasting social ventures that have a positive impact in the community.

“SimplexGrinnell and Tyco are proud to support this collaborative effort to expand United Way Youth Venture,” said Dave Baer, Vice President of Marketing at SimplexGrinnell, a Tyco International company.  “We strongly believe in Youth Venture’s power to change the world, strengthen our communities and create the next generation of leaders.”

Mark S. Furst, President and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, said: “We are enthusiastic to be part of the Youth Venture network. This program will allow young people in the region to be part of change firsthand and to see what can happen when they achieve their full potential.”

Under the joint initiative, United Ways throughout the country were asked to submit proposals on how they would implement the school-based program.  The United Way of North Central Massachusetts, which founded United Way Youth Venture and nurtured its growth into four other cities nationwide, helped manage the process.

The top 10 applicants were invited to a half-day training session in Leominster, MA, underwritten by SimplexGrinnell, to learn how to implement the program in their community. Following the training session, United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) was announced as the recipient of a $30,000 grant from Tyco to assist in implementing United Way Youth Venture.  The local SimplexGrinnell district in Baltimore, one of 150 company-owned offices in North America, is engaged in the Youth Venture effort with UWCM as well.

“The expansion of United Way Youth Venture to other locations where we do business aligns with SimplexGrinnell’s commitment to be a vital part of the communities we serve,” said Bob Chauvin, Vice President of Northern Operations for SimplexGrinnell and a board member of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts.  “This powerful program is cultivating a new generation of leaders and improving our communities in very meaningful ways.”

About United Way of Central Maryland
For more than 80 years, United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) has been the region’s human service leader. Its mission is to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities. UWCM supports programs and initiatives in the city of Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.  For more information, visit www.uwcm.org or call 410.547.8000.

About United Way of North Central Massachusetts
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts, in Gardner, Fitchburg, Leominster and the surrounding 13 towns, is creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the basic things we all need for a good life: education, income, health and safety net services.  For additional information, visit www.uwncm.org.

About United Way Youth Venture
In 2002, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, in partnership with Ashoka, founded United Way Youth Venture, a unique and collaborative partnership that helps schools launch lasting social ventures that create a positive impact in the community.  These schools integrate United Way Youth Venture into their curriculum, after-school activities and host special events.  For additional information, visit www.uwyv.org.

About SimplexGrinnell
SimplexGrinnell, a Tyco International company, provides a comprehensive array of fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire suppression, integrated security, communications and nurse call systems and services. With one million customers, 150 local offices, and over 200 years of history in the fire business, SimplexGrinnell is the leader in fire and life safety. For additional information or to locate the nearest SimplexGrinnell district office, visit www.simplexgrinnell.com.