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73 B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E S S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N In the business of doing good Aside from its strong commitment to corporate social responsibil- ity, Unum is in the business of helping people through difficult times in their lives. Over 35 million working people and their families rely on the company to provide financial security when unexpected illness or injury occur. With 170 years of history, the company continues to find new ways to support its customers. at holds true with the support of communities, as well. Unum leaders are strong believers that employees are the company's greatest asset. Because of this, they're dedicated to investing in the workforce of tomorrow by building strong business-education partnerships. Preparing tomorrow's workforce Ensuring brighter futures for the community through stronger schools and prepared students is a passion shared by Unum's employees. Unum supports an array of organizations that share its dedication to ensuring all Maine children have access to the resources they need to enjoy healthy, productive, successful lives. One such organization is Educate Maine, a nonprofit that promotes education and career readiness across the state. Educate Maine also advances policies and practices that prepare Maine students to be the next generation of productive, engaged citizens. For more than a decade, Unum has partnered with Jobs for Maine's Graduates ( JMG) to prepare students for the workforce. It connects students with professionals who inspire them to pursue post-secondary education and meaningful careers. Eighth-grade JMG students from around the state come to Unum's home office headquarters to learn more about career possibilities. Students also lead team-building exercises for Unum employees and practice leadership skills by facilitating and debriefing activities. "I thought this trip was an excellent experience, and I learned a lot about jobs and preparing for them," said Emma, a student from Lisbon. "My favorite part of the trip was the interview, because it showed me what it would be like interviewing for a real job. I was able to push myself and get out of my comfort zone, and it has really helped with my confidence." Advancing learning by opening its doors Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom. Several times a year, Unum opens its doors for weekly reading hours, monthly mentor- ing sessions, classroom tours and even a sleepover for students. Dubbed "Maine's Largest Educational Slumber Party," Urban Adventure teams up with Unum to treat students to lunch, a guest speaker, a dance and a scavenger hunt in Portland's Old Port. During the hunt, students use teamwork and communica- tion skills in their quests to collect various items while learning about different career paths at Portland businesses. Another event hosted at Unum's Portland headquarters is Tech Day. Studies show that many students, once they reach high school, lose interest in science, technology, engineering and math. To inspire careers in these fields, Unum hosts middle and high school students once a year for Tech Day. Introducing students to careers in technology, Unum's IT professionals are on hand to answer questions about IT careers while participating in hands-on activities with students that demonstrate the importance of teamwork, creativity and innovation in the IT profession. Investing in Maine's educators Each year, Unum dedicates a significant portion of charitable resources to education initiatives the company helps lead, launch or guide. Each contribution has the same vision: helping students gain access to opportunities and helping talented educators engage students in innovative and creative approaches to learning. In a collaborative partnership, Educate Maine, Maine Principals' Association and Unum facilitate the Education Leaders Experience (ELE) program, an experiential learning and professional devel- opment opportunity for educators. Designed to enhance critical professional skills and prepare for educators for greater leader- ship roles, the year-long program teaches educators about the local economy and the critical role education plays in sustaining the community. e program connects participants with key facets of the Maine community, including business and entrepreneurship, government and higher education. e agenda studies examples of leadership across the business sector, including marketplace competition, how to influence legislation and helping educators understand economic trends that influence the workforce in Maine. It also broadens their personal and professional networks. By connecting educators with Unum employees and other business professionals, educators acquire real-world insight on the preparation students need to successfully join the workforce. Visits to various Maine businesses and learning what companies are looking for in their workforce, like critical and creative think- ing skills, helps educators tailor their curriculums to incorporate skill-based learning. Celebrating educators who pour creativity and innovation into their classrooms is another important facet of Unum's com- munity mission. In partnership with the Portland Sea Dogs, Unum annually recognizes nine Maine educators – known as the "Starting Nine" – at an evening baseball game, where a large community crowd can salute their dedication to teaching and student achievement. Drawn to a greater purpose Unum doesn't just write checks to community organizations. It invests in the local community, leverages its resources to help others, encourages employees to make a difference in people's lives and exemplifies successful business-education partnerships. Unum's 2,800 employees in Maine are serious about developing the state's workforce, inspiring continuing education, introduc- ing job interests and career paths to students, and supporting educators along the way. And, as Sophie taught us…"We're here to focus." l P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F U N U M Students from Presumpscot Elementary School teach a lesson on classroom management and how to read aloud.

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