PROVIDENCE – Citizens Financial Group Inc. says it will provide $10 million over the next two years to support workforce development programs in the markets where it operates nationwide.
The funding will be directed to nonprofits working to expand access to educational and career opportunities while addressing the rapidly changing demands of the economy and supporting long-term economic growth, Citizens said.
Rhode Island business boosts efficiency and sustainability with Rhode Island Energy
Hexagon, a global technology and software company, develops products that combine sensor, software and autonomous…
Learn More
“Workforce development is a major focus for the bank, and one that is top of mind for our clients and critical to the success of the communities we serve,” said Bruce Van Saun, Citizen chairman and CEO. “This investment is not just about supporting programs; it’s about supporting people – people who are ready to learn, to grow and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.”
Citizens said building the workforce of the future is a key focus of the bank’s “sustainability and impact” strategy. Calling itself a “super-regional bank,” Citizens said it is well positioned to bring together industry and community leaders so it can better understand and address local workforce challenges.
Citizens said it is looking to form partnerships with national organizations such as Local Initiatives Support Corp., Year Up, Junior Achievement, Education Design Lab, Girls Who Code, and Council for Economic Education, as well as local community organizations across its 14-state footprint, to provide training for in-demand careers.
Recent initiatives include $1.6 million in funding Citizens committed to expand the bank’s Community College Accelerator program with Education Design Lab to 10 community colleges in Boston, New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Rhode Island, and a $600,000 grant to LISC New York and Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corp. to launch the Brooklyn Youth Offshore Wind Training Program to prepare local youths for jobs in the offshore wind industry.
The bank recently announced the results of a teen workforce development survey, published in partnership with Junior Achievement, that it said demonstrates the need for expanded advanced training programs. According to the JA Teen Workforce Survey conducted by Wakefield Research, teens ages 13-18 are optimistic about their futures and how the advancement in technology will impact them but are looking for support to acquire the needed skills.
