General Mills has participated in partnerships with School 33 and South Park High School for over 10 years. In 1998, the General Mills "Challenge U" program began at South Park High School and School 33 Bilingual Center. The program awarded its first scholarships to Buffalo school students, grades 8-12, for their academic achievement, participation in extra curricular activities, and ability to overcome adversity. A decade later, over 300 scholarships and $642,500 have been awarded to deserving students in Buffalo to be used for post-secondary education. The program also provided over $125,000 in grant money to the schools.Students who win a Challenge U Scholarship also have the opportunity to attend a mentoring program with local General Mills employees. Throughout the year students focus on developing communication & interviewing skills, leadership presence, and completing the application process to the school of their choice. Currently, 18 mentors & 21 students participate in the program.
Giving back to the community is also a focus and students at South Park High School along with their General Mills mentors have organized several food drives to support the Food Bank of Western New York. General Mills volunteers continue to participate in School 33 at events such as picnics, carnivals and classroom projects and the South Park High School Mentoring program.
