One of Union Pacific Railroad’s major ad campaigns is themed around the company’s ongoing commitment to “Building America”. By covering 23 states, and hauling such diverse commodities as chemicals, coal, food, grain and many other staples for 140 years, Union Pacific truly has helped build this nation. In addition to serving America’s transportation needs, Union Pacific is also helping to build this country’s sense of community by supporting various non-profit organizations that provide vital skills and opportunities to local youth.
Through its ACTS UP program, Theatre Arlington currently partners with three Title 1 schools in the area. Focusing on fifth grade students, the ACT UPS teachers, Maggie Younkin and B.J. Cleveland, work closely with teachers to incorporate the school’s curriculum into the ACT UPS program, and in turn, the teachers participate by incorporating ACT UPS materials and activities into their daily lessons.
Union Pacific has a long-standing commitment to improve the quality of life in the communities they serve and where their employees live and work. With the economy taking its toll on many businesses this year, funding from organizations such as UP is vital to non-profit groups like Theatre Arlington.
Funding for the ACT UPS program at TA is especially important in light of the impact it has on children’s lives. Maggie Younkin sees a change in her students beginning the very first day of class. “At the beginning of the year, to stand up in front of a class and answer a simple question is intimidating to most of them. Some of them don’t speak any English. Then by the end of the year, they are standing up in front of their school, performing and delivering lines. It is a huge accomplishment for them,” observes Younkin, “and the confidence they gain is something that they will carry with them outside of theatre.”
