Key Bank Foundation Donates To Boys & Girls Club Of Stamford

From Gaffney Bennett Public Relations:KeyBank Foundation has pledged a three-year grant of $75,000 ($25,000 per year) to Boys & Girls Club Of Stamford (BGCS) to support a new program called Key to Success. The program provides targeted educational enrichment programming to a cohort of sixth graders in the 2017-2018 academic year, and tracks performance over the next three years as they complete middle school. Expected program outcomes include improved academic performance, reduced school absenteeism, and avoidance of summer learning loss typically experienced during school vacation months. The program includes students from Cloonan Middle School and Rippowam Middle School.

“The Boys and Girls Club of Stamford greatly appreciates KeyBank Foundation’s commitment to the youth of Stamford,” said BGCS Executive Director Michael Cotela. “This three year grant will allow us to track the progress of our members and provide learning programs that support Stamford School System’s educational initiatives.”

Cohort members will participate in educational enrichment programming that includes Power Hour homework, STEM, Write Brain, Sparks History, Chess, and Stride Academy. Members will also select from a number of character and leadership development programs such Torch Club, SMART Moves, Passport to Manhood, Live Girl, and Positive Actions. School attendance, quarterly report cards, and club/summer camp involvement will be tracked over the three year grant period with the expectation that students will demonstrate improved academic performance over benchmarked data, will be better prepared for success in high school, and will improve their social and emotional skills.

“One of Key’s philanthropic funding priorities is education – with particular focus on supporting programs that drive student academic performance and successful graduation rates in disadvantaged populations,” said Bruce Rogers, regional director for Key Insurance & Benefits Services and long-time BGCS board member. “BGCS’ programming is fully aligned with the Stamford public schools, and making a measurable difference in the lives of many Stamford schoolchildren. We are proud to support their efforts.”

Photo Caption: KeyBank representatives present grant check in the amount of $75,000 to Boys & Girls Club of Stamford. Pictured from left are Bruce Rogers, regional director, Key Insurance & Benefits Services and BGCS board member, Karen Crane, senior communications manager, KeyBank; LaKisha Jordan, corporate responsibility officer, KeyBank; and Michael Cotela, executive director, Boys & Girls Club of Stamford.

About BGCS:

The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford has been serving the children of Stamford, Connecticut since 1927. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need help the most, reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. BGCS has two dedicated youth facilities located at 347 Stillwater Avenue and at the former Yerwood Center at 90 Fairfield Avenue. Both locations are open daily and managed by a professional staff, providing homework help, after school activities and youth development services to over 1,600 Stamford youth. For more information, visit www.bgcastamford.org.

About KeyBank Foundation:

KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through three funding priorities – neighbors, education, and workforce – and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.

Photo courtesy of Gaffney Bennett Public Relations (KeyBank representatives present grant check in the amount of $75,000 to Boys & Girls Club of Stamford. Pictured from left are Bruce Rogers, regional director, Key Insurance & Benefits Services and BGCS board member, Karen Crane, senior communications manager, KeyBank; LaKisha Jordan, corporate responsibility officer, KeyBank; and Michael Cotela, executive director, Boys & Girls Club of Stamford. )