Alcoa Sets New Employee Volunteerism Benchmark

NEW YORK--（BUSINESS WIRE）--On the eve of International Volunteers Day, Alcoa （NYSE:AA） has announced employee volunteerism rates significantly higher than the corporate average, with 49 percent of the company’s workforce giving back to their communities around the world.

The record volunteerism rate was reached during the company’s fifth annual Month of Service in October, during which more than 29,000 Alcoa employees across 24 countries volunteered in close to 1,000 volunteer events. Highlights include:

?59,000 children assisted through school infrastructure improvements, literacy and STEM （Science, Technology, Engineering and Math） education.

?Natural environment improved with 16,000 trees planted and 250 rivers, parks and recreation areas rehabilitated.

?3,000 non-profit organizations supported to assist those in need, with 18,000 meals served, and 300 shelters, homes and community facilities repaired.

The 49 percent employee volunteer participation recorded during Alcoa’s Month of Service is significantly higher rate than the corporate average, based on data collected by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship. Between 2008-2010, the Center recorded average participation rates in employer-supported volunteering of between 17 and 31 percent. In 2009, 37 percent of employees participated in Alcoa Month of Service activities.

“Wherever Alcoa operates, we want to be an active and productive member of the community,” said Alcoa Chairman and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld. “We encourage our people to share their time, talents and energy in supporting those causes that are important to them, that help strengthen our society.”

“I am enormously proud of Alcoans, they have set a benchmark for employee volunteerism. Together with our many non-profit partners we have helped to make a difference around the world.”

Alcoa chose International Volunteers Day to also announce the results of its global Month of Service photo contest, with five employee winners recognized with a $5,000 grant to the charity of their choice from Alcoa Foundation. Their winning images depict the spirit of Alcoa volunteerism and were selected by judging panels of Alcoa employees, leaders and partners, including customers and NGOs.