Youth organizations in East Tennessee can earn up to $1,000 through U.S. Cellular’s Community Connections program. Now in its fourth year, Community Connections provides sponsorship support to help youth groups pay for uniforms, equipment, travel and other group expenses. Since the program launched in 2015, U.S. Cellular has awarded $1.3 million to more than 2,800 groups, including sports teams, STEM programs, marching bands and dance squads.

Academic and athletic groups representing kids and teens up to 12th grade can sign up now at www.uscellular.com to become eligible to receive sponsorship funds. Once signed up, groups then need to rally their friends, families and supporters to complete online activities that earn money for the needs of their group.

“We know that there are several organizations and clubs in East Tennessee that provide meaningful experiences for our youth every day, and Community Connections is one way that we can support them to achieve their goals,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Knoxville. “As we enter the fourth year of this program, we realize that it is all about helping our communities connect to the good in all of us, and we encourage youth leaders to visit the website and see how easy it is to earn money for their group.”

Once an interested group signs up, it has 10 days to generate support and complete online activities that include following U.S. Cellular on its social channels, watching a video or answering a short survey. The money goes directly to the organization, and each group can earn up to $1,000.

Jason Kallenberg, a track and field coach at Shannondale Elementary School in Knoxville, encourages local organizations to apply because he knows firsthand how much difference the program can make. Last year, his team participated in the Knox County track meet for the first time thanks to Community Connections. Before then, families of students couldn’t afford the cost of transportation and entrance to the meet, the highlight of the track season.

“I am so thankful for U.S. Cellular’s wonderful program that truly gives back to the community,” Kallenberg said. “In addition to being able to provide uniforms and transportation to the track meet, I was also able to pay for all of our kids to enter the meet and give them a team party.”

U.S. Cellular has a longstanding commitment to the community and education. In East Tennessee, the company donated $32,000 to local Boys & Girls Clubs in 2018. Nationally, the company has contributed more than $10.65 million to K-12 education since 2009. In 2017, U.S. Cellular associates volunteered at more than 185 events and have committed to volunteering 35,000 hours in local communities again this year.

For more information and to view the official rules, please visit www.uscellular.com.