SCA President Dale Penny on AEO+DOI
(WASHINGTON, DC) January 8, 2014 — The following is a statement from Student Conservation Association President Dale Penny on American Eagle Outfitters’ commitment of $1 million to the Department of the Interior’s 21st Century Conservation Service Corps.
“Of SCA’s many conservation partners, none is more visionary or generous than American Eagle Outfitters. This landmark gift of one million dollars to the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps – a first for this important Interior initiative – is a remarkable demonstration of leadership. I have no doubt it will inspire other private enterprises to join with American Eagle in investing in our nation’s most precious assets: our youth and our land.
“SCA began our own partnership with American Eagle in 2006 and is honored to have sparked what the company now calls its ‘love affair with conservation service corps.’ Together, we have engaged under-represented youth in our nation’s cities, activated college students in national park-based Alternative Spring Breaks in national parks, and deployed the first teams of youth volunteers to repair damage caused by Hurricane Sandy at The National Parks of New York Harbor, among many other high-impact projects.
“Thousands of SCA members have benefitted from the transformative service opportunities made possible by American Eagle and, with today’s pledge to 21CSC, thousands more young people will enjoy similar experiences – gaining career training and lifelong links to nature while working toward the common, selfless goal of protecting our planet for generations to come.
“When Liz Putnam modeled the Student Conservation Association after the Civilian Conservation Corps some 57 years ago, she launched a movement that has since led hundreds of thousands of young people to discover, protect and celebrate our nation’s public lands. With American Eagle’s deep commitment and Interior’s innovation, the passionate spirit and boundless energy of America’s young people are poised once again to advance our nation’s unrivaled natural legacy. And SCA looks forward to extending our own leadership in this most vital mission.”