In 2014, Bank of America increased their grant funding to $165,000 for BGCNJ to continue to implement the Career Launch Program at Clubs in Atlantic City, Camden, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Trenton and Vineland. This year the expanded funding has increased the reach of the grant to include the Club in Asbury Park. The Career Launch program prepares young people to enter the work force, advance from “job” to “career” and become self-sufficient adults. The program works with each youth to identify the career that best fits the members’ skills and interests. Career Launch includes an interactive website, classroom instruction, guest presentations from professional in various fields of study, job search assistance, on the job training, and internship opportunities. In addition to the direct support, Clubs will also host representatives of Bank of America for workshops focused on providing career advice and financial management training to their youth.
Bank of America also selected BGCNJ to serve as the host organization for their Student Leaders Program which is an integral piece of their Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, and stems from their commitment to support community leaders of today and tomorrow. The foundation firmly believes that investing in and cultivating future leaders is crucial to supporting and sustaining the growth of vibrant neighborhoods.
This year’s five winners were partnered with local Clubs in Elizabeth, Newark, Jersey City and Vineland where they were exposed to all facets of overseeing a non-profit organization.
In addition to their work at the club each leader attended a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. During the Summit, they were exposed to all aspects of civic, social and business leadership. The goal was to provide the students with the tools and skills they will use throughout their life to create positive community change. Student Leader, Romina Generali stated, “This has been an amazing experience for me and allowed me to learn so much about how non-profits work.”
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