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PRESS RELEASE: Citizen Schools Recognizes Fidelity Investments For Its Long-Term Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Holly Trippett, Citizen Schools, Office: 617.695.2300 ext. 1161, Cell: 301.452.3904

CITIZEN SCHOOLS RECOGNIZES FIDELITY INVESTMENTS® FOR ITS LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

BOSTON, APRIL 4, 2013 – Eric Schwarz, CEO and co-founder of Citizen Schools, last night recognized Fidelity Investments® for its long-term partnership and extensive involvement with the organization at an event in Boston.  Ron O’Hanley, president of Asset Management and Corporate Services for Fidelity Investments, accepted the honor on behalf of Fidelity and its employee volunteers.

Founded in Boston in 1995, Citizen Schools is a nonprofit organization that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for low-income children across the country.  The organization deploys thousands of “citizen” volunteers to help improve student achievement by teaching skill-building apprenticeships and through participation in other programs that supplement their school curriculum.  Fidelity volunteers have worked as writing coaches, taught financial education, documentary film, a stock market game, robotics, app and web design and more.  Fidelity was honored at “A WOW Affair,” an annual gala and volunteer recognition event during which students share what they’ve learned over the past several months with parents, friends and the community at large.

"I thank Citizen Schools for their work on behalf of our children and look forward to our continued partnership to close achievement gaps and give all of our students the opportunity to succeed," said Governor Deval Patrick, who attended the gala.

Fidelity's affiliation with Citizen Schools began in 1998 and has grown and expanded over the years.  During that time, roughly 900 Fidelity employees have volunteered with Citizen Schools and directly impacted the lives of more than 2,500 students.  Fidelity is the lead national partner of Citizen Schools’ 8th Grade Academy program and supports the organization’s work in Boston, North Carolina, New York and New Jersey.

“Fidelity is one of our longest-standing partners, having supported Citizen Schools for over 15 years and setting the bar for deep, strategic collaboration between the private sector and the non-profit sector,” said Eric Schwarz.  “Fidelity volunteers have invested 7,000 hours and have lead as one of our top providers of financial literacy and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) apprenticeships. Their impact on students is tremendous, but their contribution to our organizational success is dramatic as well, with seven executives serving on our regional and national boards – more than any other partner in our history. Fidelity is truly making a difference and influencing systemic change with their visionary approach to partnership and financial education.”

Fidelity’s partnership with Citizen Schools is part of its overall commitment to education, particularly financial education.  Fidelity’s employees help ensure that students and families in need have the educational foundation to attain personal and financial success.  Fidelity and its associates are committed to sharing skills, experience and resources in ways that are innovative and effective and that benefit the communities in which we live and work.

In accepting the award, Ron O’Hanley commented, “Fidelity embraces – wholeheartedly – the vision of Citizen Schools, namely that, by involving citizens from all walks of life in the education of our children, we can inspire thousands of young people and open their eyes to limitless possibilities before them.  Education is absolutely fundamental for people to succeed in life – personally, professionally and financially.  I am truly honored to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Fidelity, and in particular all of our employees who have volunteered their skills, time and wisdom to Citizen Schools and their students.”

About Citizen Schools

Citizen Schools is a national nonprofit organization that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for low-income children across the country. Citizen Schools uniquely mobilizes thousands of adult volunteers to help improve student achievement by teaching skill-building apprenticeships. The organization’s programs blend these real-world learning projects with rigorous academic and leadership development activities, preparing students in the middle grades for success in high school, college, the workforce, and civic life.

Founded in Boston in 1995, Citizen Schools has grown into a national network of thirty-one partner schools serving over 5,300 students in low-income communities across eight states.  For more information, visit www.citizenschools.org.

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest providers of financial services, with assets under administration of $4.0 trillion, including managed assets of $1.7 trillion, as of Feb. 28, 2013.  Founded in 1946, the firm is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing and many other financial products and services to more than 20 million individuals and institutions, as well as through 5,000 financial intermediary firms.  For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit www.fidelity.com.

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