PROVIDED

Bank of America announced today that the Florida Southwestern State College Foundation has been named as the 2024 Bank of America Neighborhood Champion in Southwest Florida for its work providing financially disadvantaged students with educational and career opportunities. Commemorating its fifth year, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champions® program provides multiyear flexible grant funding annually to high-impact nonprofits in nearly 40 communities nationwide.

As a Neighborhood Champion, the FSW Foundation is awarded a $50,000 grant over two years, leadership training resources for the organization’s executive director, access to technical coaching and a national network of nonprofit peers.

“This year we celebrate five years of strengthening Southwest Florida nonprofits that provide solutions to local challenges and promote economic advancement through Neighborhood Champions,” said Gerri Moll, president, Bank of America Southwest Florida. “Providing these high-impact nonprofits with flexible funding and leadership training helps them address critical needs and create meaningful lasting change in our communities.”

FSW provides students with pathways to employment through affordable tuition, scholarships, and workforce development focused degrees and programs. The college has a $435 million impact on the local economy, with 90% of its graduates staying in the community. This new grant will provide financial support to students pursuing degrees in the School of Health Professions through scholarships and funding for out-of-pocket costs like labs, exams, uniforms and equipment.

“FSW is grateful to Bank of America for our longstanding relationship and their generous philanthropy,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, FSW president. “This powerful community partnership makes a difference in the lives of students working to build better lives for themselves and their families.”

Neighborhood Champions is part of the bank’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. The invitation-only program is highly competitive, with awardees selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past awardees. Since 2019, Bank of America has invested over $9 million in more than 200 nonprofits within more than 40 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program.

Past Southwest Florida Neighborhood Champions include: Project Dentists Care, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, United Way of Lee County, Lee Health Foundation and Boys & Girls Club of Lee County.