Plano, Texas-based Frito-Lay is teaming up with actress and science-fiction star Sonequa Martin-Green for the return of its Back-to-School Blast Off program.
The snack brand also partnered with Stem Next’s Million Girls Moonshot, an initiative that seeks to engage one million more girls in Stem learning opportunities through after school and summer programs by 2025. The snack brand will donate $100,000 to further the program’s mission and send the organization’s inaugural flight crew of young space explorers to Space Camp.
“Representation matters and sometimes, all it takes to inspire us to achieve something is to see someone we can relate to doing it first,” Martin-Green said. “I’m honored for the opportunity to join Frito-Lay Variety Packs in their mission to inspire talented young girls everywhere to develop their passions for Stem and pursue their dreams.”
Through the website, families can find activities created by NASA scientists using everyday household items, such as designing a heat shield or building a moon lander. When consumers share a picture of their family’s Back-to-School Blast Off activity with #SpaceForHer and #Entry on Instagram or Twitter, they will be entered for a chance to have a ceremonial star named after a girl they know who is passionate about Stem.
For every photo shared, Frito-Lay Variety Packs will make a $20 donation to Million Girls Moonshot in addition to the brand’s original $100,000 donation, up to a maximum of $50,000.
“Frito-Lay Variety Packs has always been an important staple of the back-to-school season, and we’re thrilled to celebrate young girls in Stem alongside Sonequa Martin-Green and Million Girls Moonshot,” said Danielle O’Keefe, senior director of brand marketing.
“While we aspire to deliver joy through our snacks, we also seek to use our position to do more. This year we want to make our impact even more meaningful as we continue to support the dreams of young girls everywhere.”
Frito-Lay Variety Packs first launched the Back-to-School Blast Off campaign in 2021 through a $150,000 donation to establish the “Space for Her” Scholarship Fund, which gave girls from under-represented communities an opportunity to go to Space Camp.
As part of the scholarship, the brand also created the “Space for Her-os” mentorship program, which connected scholarship winners to mentors within the science and technology sectors.
For official rules, visit FritoLayVarietyPacks.com/BlastOff.
