In light of our becoming a publicly-traded company again, Levi Strauss & Co. President and CEO Chip Bergh emphasized how our value and our values are inextricably linked, and our new public standing will not impact our continued approach to delivering profits through principles.
In honor of this ongoing pledge, the Levi’s® brand re-upped its financial commitment to Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn, extending support for the school’s Music Technology program.
The contribution is a testament to our ongoing partnership with the high school dating back to 2015. That’s when the Levi’s® brand first partnered with Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys to launch the unique program as part of the Levi’s® Music Project. Murrow High School’s program is designed to introduce students to courses in sound engineering, recording, producing, music scoring and more in preparation for post-secondary studies and careers in the music industry. It closely pairs students of all levels with highly qualified teachers, professionals, artists and engineers — equally serving both general education students and those with disabilities.
“When we launch a program like this we go-in saying we won’t ‘launch and leave.’ We want to build a lasting relationship with the community. And if it works to extend it then we’ll explore all options. We’re beyond excited that we were able to continue the support of the Music Technology program at Edward R. Murrow High School,” said Chris Jackman, Vice President of Global Consumer Marketing. “This program embodies our company’s commitment to giving back.”
Select employees had a chance to see the program in action last month when we were in town for Levi Strauss & Co.’s official listing day on the New York Stock Exchange. In addition to an on-site volunteering activity at the high school, volunteers were given a tour of the program space where we got to see students putting all of the state-of-the-art equipment to work.
“The partnership has been great … and it’s helped us to develop a program that not only tailors to the needs and interests of the students, but helps to showcase them as well,” said Edward R. Murrow Principal Alan Barge.
Following our Listing Day, students from the program showcased their talents with performances at an LS&Co. evening event at our Times Square Levi’s® store. It was a great way to see the hard work of the students come to life.
“It’s hard to describe … To think you had any part at all in helping those students be inspired and to create – it’s humbling, and it makes you realize what really matters,” Chris said. “They have access to something they didn’t previously – and they’re thriving as a result of it. They were so confident, so talented, and having a ton of fun that night. It was truly amazing.”
