Imagine 10 billion pennies—that’s $100 million! With your help, that’s how much jcpenney afterschool has invested in life-enriching afterschool programs for America’s children, our nation’s most precious resource.

leading national research

Through our work with the Afterschool Alliance, jcpenney sponsors the America After 3PM report, a comprehensive research project that enables our leaders to better understand how America’s children spend their time after school. The report reveals compelling data, which helps shape public policy and place community resources where they are needed most.

inspiring young minds in science

jcpenney is committed to sponsoring FIRST® [For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology] teams in every jcpenney community and encourages greater participation among female and minority students. Through the provision of resources needed to form FIRST teams, the academic sport of robotics competitions will grow and have a lasting impact on students’ education and career choices and stimulate passion for science and technology during the afterschool hours.

getting our associates involved

In addition to contributing nearly $1 million of their own money to the afterschool cause each year, jcpenney associates also provide priceless hours of volunteer service. Associates serve on afterschool boards, mentor young students in local afterschool programs and assist FIRST teams with fundraising efforts.

increasing access to afterschool

jcpenney provides access grants that make it possible for thousands of children to participate in life-enriching afterschool programs each year. By partnering with national youth organizations, jcpenney makes assistance available to families who are experiencing financial hardship or may be unable to afford afterschool services.

building national awareness

Across the country, jcpenney stores and their local afterschool partners work together to raise awareness through “Lights On Afterschool,” the country’s largest afterschool awareness event. More than one million volunteers participate in 7,500 events and community open houses to shine a light on the benefits of afterschool programming.

pennies from heaven

jcpenney customers can turn small change into pennies from heaven by rounding up their store purchases and donating the difference to life-enriching afterschool programs. In the summer of 2011, jcpenney hosted the pennies from heaven challenge. Customers participated in easy activities to collect virtual pennies, which jcpenney turned into a real donation of $1,000,000 for our afterschool partners.

jcpenney Demonstrates the Power of a Penny to Support Local Youth

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) today announced that it is launching an inspiring new philanthropic initiative...

jcpenney Reaches $100 Million Milestone in Afterschool Support

In celebration of the Company’s commitment to the afterschool cause, which has reached more than $100 million in support since 1999...