Leidos donates $50,000 to transform lives of at-risk youth in Hawaii

Leidos CEO Tom Bell presented a $50,000 donation last week to the Hawaii Youth Impact Program (YIP), a transformative leadership initiative that supports urban-based, low-income middle school students in Honolulu. The Leidos gift will help revamp the program's STEM curriculum and its innovative approach using football and basketball games to help create engaging learning environments.

"It is truly my privilege to represent all of Leidos in supporting the Hawaii Youth Impact Program, which touches countless lives," Bell said. "At Leidos, we believe in sharing our success with the communities where we live and work. With about 400 employees on-island, we view it as our responsibility to give back to the 'ohana. This donation is a reflection of that commitment."

The YIP offers a safe, inspiring space for at-risk youth, with about 3% of its students coming from houseless situations.

"Many young people from the program end up graduating high school and going on to college or into the military, and YIP is an integral part of giving them the tools to choose a good path," said Lena Conrad, a YIP volunteer for seven years.

During the event, Bell and members of the Leidos executive leadership team had the opportunity to hear from passionate parents like Siufofoga Fale, whose three grandchildren participated in the program last year.

"The YIP provides unmatched mentorship, coaching, and leadership for our kids, and they are excited to return each year," Fale shared.

Ziggy Ramil, a Leidos employee and Hawaii YIP director, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support.

"We are grateful for the community support, whether it's the parents, the volunteers who donate their time, or those who contribute financially, like Leidos. We know it takes a village, and we are excited to have Leidos join ours," said Ramil.

The event was attended by YIP Founder Riki Ellison, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, several local community leaders, and Leidos employees.

Contributor: Kate McIlvaine, Leidos