On the eve of International Volunteers Day, Alcoa 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. The images can be viewed at www.alcoa.com/monthofservice .

About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years and approximately 75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31 countries across the world.