Bank of America today announced 24 local nonprofits will receive a total of $620,000 to increase educational and workforce development opportunities in the Greater Washington region. The nonprofits receiving support focus on connecting individuals living in low-income neighborhoods to education, skill-building and job opportunities.
“According to recent data, 18 percent of Washington, D.C. residents live below the poverty line, compared to 15 percent nationally,” said Jeff Wood, Greater Washington Market President, Bank of America. “By investing in our local workforce and partnering with nonprofits like CASA de Maryland and Literacy Volunteers of America – Prince William, Inc., we’re connecting those in need to opportunities that can help them lead more financially secure lives.”
CASA de Maryland, one of the organizations receiving a grant, will use the funds to support its Expanded Workforce Development Program. The organization works in partnership with local community colleges and businesses to provide job counseling, financial literacy courses, ESOL classes, employment placement services and vocational training for those in the Greater Washington region who are looking to enter the workforce.
“In the last year, our workforce development programs have placed those looking to enter the workforce in more than 10,000 daily and temporary jobs and nearly 200 permanent jobs,” said Delia Aguilar, CASA’s Manager of Workforce Development. “Here at CASA, with the help of Bank of America, students can find the support they need to learn and begin working so they can improve life, not only for their own families, but for their communities as well.”
Literacy Volunteers of America – Prince William, Inc., another grantee, will use the funding to serve 525 adult learners enrolled in their Workforce Development and Job Readiness program. Through this course, participants with limited English literacy skills will acquire the resources to improve their employment status in the local community.
“Our community demographics have significantly shifted. Large numbers of refugees from the Middle East need to simultaneously learn English and job skills. Bank of America’s support helps us meet the changing and unmet needs of our community,” said Debbie Abbott, executive director, Literacy Volunteers of America – Prince William. Our adult learners are having greater success finding local jobs faster than before, helping them to become self-sufficient and achieve financial stability for themselves and their families.”
Other organizations receiving grants include:Asian American LEAD; Business United in Investing, Lending & Development (BUILD); Capital Partners for Education; Casa de Maryland; CityDance Ensemble; City Year Washington, D.C.; Davis Memorial Goodwill Industries; DC Central Kitchen; ECDC Enterprise Development Group; Empowered Women International; Excel Institute; Genesys Works; George Mason University Foundation; Latino Student Fund; Literacy Council of Northern Virginia; Literacy Volunteers of America – Prince William, Inc.; Mentoring to Manhood; Montgomery College Foundation; Northern Virginia Community College Educational Foundation; Prince George’s Community College Foundation; Strive DC; Urban Ed Enterprises, Inc.; Year Up; and Young Women’s Christian Association of the National Capital Area.
These grants are part of Bank of America’s commitment to responsible growth as it works to improve the financial lives of individuals and families in Greater Washington.
Bank of America
At Bank of America, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is critical to fulfilling our core purpose of making people’s financial lives better. A commitment to growing our business responsibly is embedded in every aspect of our company, from our policies and practices to our services, products, governance and employee benefits. An important part of that commitment is forming strong partnerships across sectors, including nonprofit organizations serving community needs, bringing our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. We’re proud of our employees’ volunteer efforts, support of diversity and inclusion, and environmental and social responsibility. Across our company, we’re focused on simplifying banking and investing, advancing better money habits and making an impact in communities around the world. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/aboutand follow us on Twitter at @BofA_News.
