Bank of America gives $600k to strengthen Austin’s talent pipeline – AOL

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Bank of America announced $600,000 in grants to local nonprofits to strengthen Austin’s workforce.

According to a news release, it provided $200,000 each to Breakthrough, Capital IDEA and St. Edward’s University to help families across Central Texas through higher education, skills development and job training.

Report: Texas workforce to add 144k jobs by 2028

“Breakthrough, Capital IDEA and St. Edward’s CAMP program are improving lives in catalytic ways through their unique and innovative education programs that support students and their families throughout their journeys, helping them be that much more successful in achieving their goals,” said David Bader, Bank of America Austin president. “Our team at Bank of America is honored to recognize, celebrate and empower these three organizations for their work to break down barriers and uplift the importance of education.”

Capital IDEA and Breakthrough were selected as the 2024 Neighborhood Builders for their work to “bridge the gap between education and workforce needs in Austin.”

“Austin continues to be a destination,” Bader said. “Destination for a lot of great organizations and companies, and in order for us to continue to attract those organizations and companies, we need to have skilled workforce that’s set up for these jobs of the future.”

Capital IDEA provides adults in poverty with access to education to help them transition into living-wage careers.

“The bank’s funding will support administrative and program staff salaries, including childcare support for low-income students with children 0-4 who need care while the student is in school,” the release said.

Funding will also go towards expanding those services in growing areas like Georgetown and Kyle.

Breakthrough helps support students who will become the first in their families to earn a college degree.

“The bank’s funding will help sustain and grow the Schoolwide Postsecondary Advising Program, which provides junior and senior high school students with advising services to guide them in career plans beyond high school graduation to attain the relevant credentials, certificate or diploma to secure a livable job in the workforce,” the release said.

Fatima Santana is a student in the program. She said support from Breakthrough has been instrumental in her journey.

“Students like me, a first generation student,” Santana said. “With parents that have never gone through the process. They make sure that I’m supported, whether that’s emotionally or, like, through academic.”

Additionally, St. Edward’s University’s College Assistance Migrant Program received funding as well. As one of five recipients to receive the Neighborhood Builder Social Equality Award, Geronimo Rodriguez selected the CAMP program as the recipient of grant funding.

“It provides counseling. It provides advising help,” Rodriguez said. “It helps us navigate through our college experience and provides us with services and opportunities to ensure that we explore different career opportunities.”

Rodriguez was a graduate of the program. He now serves as Chief Advocacy Officer at Ascension Texas and “credits the University for equipping him with the skills he needed to build a successful career.”

“As the only school in Central Texas that provides tuition, room, and board for the children of migrant or seasonal farmworkers, St. Edward’s University is a proven and effective pipeline for low-income, first-generation students into leadership opportunities in Central Texas,” the release said.

Funds will provide general operating support to CAMP at St. Edward’s.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.