Leominster, MA – Feb. 21, 2020 – AIS, a leading manufacturer of commercial office furniture and seating based in Massachusetts, celebrated National Mentor Month with a special event at the company’s corporate headquarters that honored mentors in the United Way of North Central Massachusetts’ Partnering for Literacy program.

Held recently on National Thank Your Mentor Day, the event in AIS’s Leominster-based showroom drew more than 20 people.

Partnering for Literacy was established in 2017 as a volunteer program focusing on academic mentoring to support the United Way of North Central Massachusetts’ Early Childhood Initiative. Volunteers are assigned to one or two mentees and work with students throughout the year. School administrators and teachers work together with the academic mentors.

The Leominster Public Schools became the first community partner, and AIS became the first corporate partner. AIS remains instrumental in volunteer engagement and program success.

“This program is near and dear to us,” AIS President and CEO Bruce Platzman said. “Being able to make an impact on the lives of local children and families is a privilege. We’re honored to be part of the program and grateful to all who contribute to its success.”

In its pilot year, 10 mentors – nine of whom were AIS employees – worked with 19 kindergarten students. In year two, the program expanded to 15 volunteers helping 28 children. Now in its third year the program has 11 volunteers helping 18 students. In addition to returning and new mentors from AIS, the program also has attracted participants from the community and other local organizations, including Family Federal Savings, Rollstone Bank & Trust and UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital.

“We know that in order for kids to be academically successful in life, these early years are critical. Through their time and commitment, AIS is helping to level the playing field by providing intensive literacy mentoring to these very special kids. AIS continues to demonstrate what it means to be a socially responsible company,” United Way of North Central Massachusetts President Kory Eng said.