JOHN CICCOLELLA
PITTSBURGH—The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Bank of America announced on July 19, $255,000 in grants to 10 Pittsburgh area nonprofit organizations to drive meaningful and sustainable progress to help tackle society’s biggest challenges. This is the first of two rounds of grants the company awards annually to local nonprofits throughout the year.
These investments focus on health and jobs by addressing the economic and social conditions that influence family stability, health and food access, as well as building pathways to employment designed to pull people away from poverty and towards economic mobility. Funding will mainly support workforce development and job reskilling.
In May, as part of President Biden’s Investing In America Agenda, Pittsburgh was selected as one of five Workforce Hubs, receiving a Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant. Chosen for being known as an innovation hub for industries like robotics, biomanufacturing and clean energy, as well as its top universities, Pittsburgh has become a popular location for companies and organizations in these industries looking for strong local talent.
According to John Ciccolella, president, Bank of America Pittsburgh, access to quality education and skills training is critical for driving Pittsburgh’s economic growth. That’s why the bank is focused on supporting a range of workforce development opportunities, including student support, youth and adult upskilling and reskilling programs, and post-secondary institutions to help vulnerable individuals and families stabilize and advance.
One of the local organizations receiving a grant is Partner4Work. Bank of America’s $60,000 grant to Partner4Work will provide funding for the City of Pittsburgh’s Learn and Earn summer youth employment program aiming to provide paid work experience to low-income individuals between the ages of 14 and 24.
“Partnering with Pittsburgh nonprofit organizations to address issues like youth workforce development and employment is part of our approach to fostering economic mobility and equitable progress,” said Ciccolella. “These investments demonstrate how we are taking action to provide the Pittsburgh community the essential resources and support needed to help people succeed in today’s economy and prepare for a successful future.”
Other organizations receiving grants include:
* Auberle
* Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh
* Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region
* Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh
* Café Momentum
* Family House
* LandforcePgh
* The Challenge Program
* UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
These grants build on the over $9M in funding Bank of America has provided to local Pittsburgh organizations since entering the market in 2018 and are part of the company’s commitment to delivering responsible growth to improve the financial lives of individuals, families, and entire communities. Philanthropic and volunteer investments continue to play a key role in this effort to build thriving communities. In addition to the funding provided by grants, local Pittsburgh Bank of America employees have contributed over $800,000 to local nonprofits, as well as have spent over 25,000 hours volunteering in their communities.
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