U.S. Cellular Launches 2nd Annual “Community Connections” Program

U.S. Cellular announced today that it is continuing its “Community Connections” program for the second consecutive year to support local youth organizations. Last year, the company sponsored more than 700 school groups and youth sports teams through a partnership with Pear, an online platform that connects local brands with local community needs. Beginning today, academic and athletic groups (K-12) within U.S. Cellular’s markets can sign up at www.pearup.com/uscellular to receive sponsorship from the company to go towards the needs of their group.

“As a neighbor and dedicated member of our communities, U.S. Cellular is committed to supporting programs and organizations that have a positive impact in the lives of our youth,” said Grant Leech, vice president of brand management at U.S. Cellular. “These organizations provide valuable learning experiences, and this program provides an easy and fun way for the community to rally together to support them.”

Through the “Community Connections” program, U.S. Cellular sponsors hundreds of local youth groups, school programs and sports teams, such as little leagues, youth soccer clubs, school dance teams and bands. Once an interested group signs up at the website, they have ten days to generate support from neighbors, friends, family and their community to earn points by completing simple tasks such as visiting U.S. Cellular’s website, following U.S. Cellular on its social channels or answering a short survey. Points are then converted into dollars that go directly to the organization or group, and each group can earn up to $1,000 that can be used towards uniforms, equipment or other program needs.

Last year, U.S. Cellular provided $295,000 to youth organizations and school groups through this program, and this year the company will provide up to $300,000. In addition, in 2015 the company contributed $1.35 million to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focused education programs through its partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and National 4-H Council.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by a high-quality network in big and small cities and rural communities, and currently, 99 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Champion in 2014 for the third time in four years. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160301005190/en/