The Salvation Army Launches National Digital Learning Program

Initiative brings critical skills education to kids in 200 Salvation Army after-school programs across the nation

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Mar 02, 2016, 02:30 ET

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army announced today the launch of The Salvation Army Digital Learning Program presented by Target, for 200 Salvation Army after-school programs across the nation. The digital education initiative is aimed at empowering youth and communities with meaningful and critical life skills in areas such as financial literacy, digital preparedness, STEM readiness, health and wellness, and diversity and inclusion.

Developed in partnership with leading education technology company, EverFi, the innovative online program offers engaging, dynamic and interactive content. Through a grant provided by Target, The Salvation Army was able to add more than 1,700 new computers and accessibility upgrades to enable more youth to access the program.

"Target's partnership with The Salvation Army's Digital Learning Program further strengthens our commitment to supporting local communities," said Laysha Ward, executive vice president and chief corporate social responsibility officer, Target. "By working together, Target, The Salvation Army and EverFi can make a positive impact to change how youth will interact and engage in learning in a new way."

The program includes eight different courses for kids in grades K-12. All learning courses contain guided activities, interactive gaming simulations, and content with real-world applications.

"Each year, we work with more than 250,000 kids in a variety of programs across the country, helping them overcome obstacles posed by poverty so they can unlock their potential," said Colonel Ron Busroe, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "Feedback from pilot testing has been overwhelmingly positive, and the program is already resonating in the communities that we serve."

To celebrate the launch of the program, The Salvation Army in conjunction with EverFi and Target, hosts a marquee national launch event in Irving, Texas today.

"Digital education is a powerful tool that can address skill deficiencies that put huge pressures on families and can keep young people from realizing their full potential," said EverFi CEO Tom Davidson. "We are grateful to Target and The Salvation Army for their dedication to closing the critical skills gap in youth and are honored to power this national program."

To learn more about the program, visit http://salar.my/DigitalLearning.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Approximately 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org). For more information, go to salvationarmyusa.org or follow on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS.

About EverFi
EverFi, Inc. is the leading education technology company that empowers learners with the skills that prepare them to be successful in life. With backing from some of technology's most innovative leaders including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, and Twitter founder Evan Williams, EverFi has built the most comprehensive critical skills platform focused on Financial Education, Digital Citizenship, Cyberbullying, STEM Readiness, Entrepreneurship, Health and Wellness, Alcohol Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness. The EverFi Education Network is powered by over 1,200 partner organizations across all 50 states and Canada and has certified over 12 million students. Learn more at www.everfi.com.

SOURCE The Salvation Army