Madelyne Evans, a teacher at COA Goldin Center’s new Burke Early Education Center, helps children make art with crayons. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) announced a donation of $375,000 over three years to COA Youth & Family Centers (COA) to further the organization’s mission of addressing the critical issues of poverty, education and safety by providing youth the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential. The funding will expand COA’s youth development programs including the creation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programming, which is expected to impact more than 6,500 Milwaukee children over the next three years.

“Kohl’s is proud to partner with COA Youth & Family Centers, an organization doing vital work to create a positive, lasting impact on the youth and families in our community,” said Jen Johnson, Kohl’s vice president of communications. “We both share a commitment to children’s health and education, and Kohl’s is honored to be in a position to support COA’s efforts to create supportive environments for Milwaukee children to learn and grow.”

The majority of Kohl’s funding will support the creation and implementation of STEM programs at COA’s three youth centers and seven Community Learning Centers within Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), offering greater access to STEM education for Milwaukee-area children.

“We are very excited to begin this partnership with Kohl’s,” said Tom Schneider, COA Youth & Family Centers’ executive director. “This funding will significantly enhance our ability to serve youth with high-quality after-school and summer programs, and with the addition of a STEM curriculum we can continue to ensure Milwaukee’s youth are given the knowledge and tools needed to succeed and thrive in today’s workforce.”

Kohl’s funding will also support COA’s current youth development efforts, including after-school and summer programs and expansion to full-day programming on MPS off-days. While COA serves youth from across the city, the majority of those served live in the low-income Amani, Riverwest and Harambee neighborhoods.

The donation is made possible through Kohl’s philanthropic program, Kohl’s Cares®, which sells children’s books and soft toys and donates 100 percent of the net profit to benefit children’s initiatives. For more information on COA Youth & Family Centers, visit www.coa-yfc.org.

About Kohl’s 

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, Kohl’s offers amazing  national and exclusive brands, incredible savings and an easy shopping experience in our stores, online at Kohls.com and on Kohl’s mobile app.  Throughout its history, Kohl’s has given nearly $600 million to support communities nationwide. For a list of store locations or to shop online, visit Kohls.com. For more information about Kohl’s impact in the community and how to join our winning team, visit Corporate.Kohls.com.

About COA Youth & Family Centers

Since 1906, COA Youth & Family Centers has helped Milwaukee children, teens, and families reach their greatest potential through a continuum of educational, recreational, and social work programs offered via its three urban community centers, at seven schools, two parks, and rural camp facility. 

COA serves 10,000 children and families at 12 locations throughout Milwaukee through early child development, youth development, and community development programs – always with family at the center.  For more information on COA and its programs, visit www.coa-yfc.org or COA’s Facebook or Twitter. (Facebook: www.facebook.com/coayfc   Twitter: @coayfc)