For the 21st consecutive year, Convergint offices will close today as part of its STEP Up initiative, allowing more than 7,700 colleagues in over 175 locations across the globe to donate their time, expertise and resources to more than 110 organizations. 

This year’s event includes security updates at 29 schools, in cities including Atlanta, Fairplay, Colo., Quincy, Mass., and Tualatin, Ore. The overall effort will result in an estimated donation of more than $2.5 million in labor and equipment from Convergint colleagues, partners and families around the world. 

“We’ve worked with Atlanta Public Schools for many years, so we’re proud to donate security equipment, installations, and upgrades, alongside the team of more than 100 colleagues across 26 schools in the district,” said Paul Franco, account executive, Convergint. “We love the opportunity to take a step back from our daily work and do what we can to help keep our community’s children and educators safe.” 

In 2018, Convergint established its STEP Up for Schools initiative to help strengthen school security. Working with underserved schools in communities around the world, Convergint and partners provide free interior and exterior security system installations, upgrades, and assessments — including cyber security, fire alarm services, physical security, and emergency communication — at no cost. 

To date, more than 70 schools have received security donations from Convergint through this program. 

“Convergint Social Responsibility Day is the most important day of the year for our organization, and we believe that our culture of giving is central to Convergint’s success,” said Ken Lochiatto, CEO of Convergint. “Today and for the rest of 2022, colleagues will prioritize STEP Up — an initiative that was established years ago to donate free security system upgrades to schools in need across the U.S. We are committed to donating our time, experience, and resources to schools that need it.” 

Convergint Social Responsibility Day was launched in 2002 to reinforce the company’s ongoing commitment to service and support the local communities where colleagues live and work. From installing security, fire and life-safety technology to protect schools, to volunteering at food banks and supporting beautification projects at community parks, Convergint colleagues around the world are encouraged to identify and give back to the charities and organizations about which they are passionate, an announcement states.

Some additional local efforts and organizations include:

• Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program – Union Grove, Wisc.
• Child Support Center – São Paulo, Brazil
• Ryan's Case for Smiles – Orange County, Calif.
• Green Citizens – Beijing, China
• Lansdowne Children’s Centre – Brantford, Ontario, Canada
• St. Augustine Wild Reserve – St. Augustine, Fla.
• ARC Cancer Support Centre – Dublin, Ireland
• Capital City Rescue Mission – Albany, N.Y.
• St. Albert Food Bank – St. Albert, Alberta, Canada               

From comprehensive security audits and recommendations to the installation of new operating systems, Convergint is offering its services free of charge for qualifying, underserved schools. For more information about STEP Up or to download free safety checklists and resources from Convergint, go here.