Bank of America Announces More Than $63,000 in Funding to Boost Local Workforce Skills

WORCESTER, MASS. – Bank of America today announced $63,500 in grants to be distributed to nine nonprofits working to increase educational and workforce development opportunities in Worcester. These particular opportunities aim to fill a great need in our state, as unemployment rates in Worcester currently stand at 5.0%, compared to the state average of 4.7%.

The nonprofits receiving support focus on connecting youth and adults, including the unemployed and underserved, to workforce opportunities and education and skills-building. Funding will help individuals living in low-income neighborhoods, who are disproportionately impacted by unemployment and other barriers to workforce participation, access opportunities that will advance long-term sustainable growth in Worcester.

“Investing in our workforce is one of the ways we are addressing issues fundamentally connected to economic mobility,” said Ed Shea, Worcester market president, Bank of America. “We’re proud to partner with nonprofit organizations from across the state that are helping to build a more sustainable community.”

Young Men’s Christian Association of Central Massachusetts is one of the nonprofits receiving a grant which will use the funding to. Bank of America has provided financial support for YMCA programming for over 15 years. This grant will help support the Y’s Teen Programming, which equips students with the skills to graduate high school, go on to college and become leaders in the community.

“With support from Bank of America, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts is nurturing the potential of youth through initiatives like the Minority Achievers Programs, Youth & Government, Spartacus and Y-Fit," said Kathryn Zingg Hunter, President/CEO, YMCA of Central Massachusetts. “Through their investment, we will deepen our impact in the 57 communities in the heart of the Commonwealth."

Other organizations receiving grants include:

· Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass Metrowest

· Bottom Line

· Girls Incorporated of Worcester

· LUK Crisis Center

· New Garden Park, Inc.

· Seven Hills Foundation

· Worcester Community Action Council

· Worcester Youth Center

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 Worcester.

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/about and follow us on Twitter at @BofA_News.