Bank of America bolsters Newark youth mentorship with $50,000 grant

The investment supports a specialized model of one-to-one mentoring for individuals aged 14 to 24. Rather than focusing solely on social guidance, the program functions as a professional pipeline, exposing participants to sectors including finance, healthcare, law, and STEM. Mentees gain access to resume workshops, interview coaching, and direct corporate site visits, while also receiving college guidance through a partnership with Bright Horizons.

A central feature of this expansion is a pilot program developed with St. Peter's University. College students serve as mentors to younger participants while earning academic credit and paid work-study income, creating a scalable framework that benefits both the mentors and the youth. According to Carlos Lejnikes, President and CEO of the agency, this approach serves as a critical investment in the future workforce of New Jersey.

The agency, recently named "Agency of the Year" by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, currently serves more than 3,200 young people annually. Alberto Garofalo, president of Bank of America New Jersey, noted that the collaboration is designed to provide the specific networks and skills necessary for long-term economic security. With this support, the organization aims to maintain a 90% high school graduation rate among its participants and ensure that at least 70% move on to post-secondary education or trade certification.