PAE Workforce Programs To Benefit from $60k Donation from BOA

The nonprofit Friends of Portland Adult Education has received $60,000 from Bank of America to enhance Portland Adult Education’s workforce training programs and career services for its diverse students. The generous donation will help provide skilled, talented employees to meet Maine’s workforce needs and promote racial equity.

“Bank of America is partnering with Portland Adult Education as part of our $1.25 billion
five-year national commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity, with a
particular focus on helping create opportunities for people and communities of color,” said Bill
Williamson, Maine president for Bank of America. “In Maine, we are committed to supporting
organizations that help people get the skills they need to achieve their goals and contribute to
economic growth.”

Portland Adult Education (PAE) serves about 2,000 students in its academic and workforce
programs each year. Students are racially and linguistically diverse with approximately 77%
students identifying as Black or African American, with 45 primary languages spoken, and
nearly 70 nationalities represented.

“PAE students are incredibly motivated, and have a wealth of knowledge and skills that can
benefit Maine,” said PAE Assistant Director Elizabeth Love. “Bank of America’s support will
expand economic opportunities for our students and the community as a whole.”

With strong employer and community partnerships, PAE designs and implements customized
workforce training opportunities for students to enter or advance in a range of professional fields.
Current sector focuses include health care, education, financial services, early childhood
education, and transportation. The 10-12 week intensive programs integrate targeted language
and skills training, as well as career advising and job search support in partnership with PAE’s
New Mainers Resource Center.

Bank of America has been foundational to this effort. Executive Director Anita St Onge
explained, “Bank of America has been a strong and consistent partner of PAE for many years,
providing funding, support with classroom instruction and mock interviews for job class
students, as well as advocating for PAE within the business community.”

“Thank you to Bank of America for being such a great partner to PAE, which is part of the
Portland Public Schools,” said Superintendent Xavier Botana. “PAE plays a vital role in
Portland’s continued viability. I alway remind our community that every dollar we invest in adult
education is not just a dollar invested in PAE students. It is a dollar invested in their children, in
their families, and in our whole community. Bank of America clearly understands that, and we
are extremely grateful for all their support.”