BofA to support workforce development, education initiatives

Bank of America Corp. will invest $15 million in nonprofit programs that help put people back to work, part of a broader effort to address housing, jobs and hunger issues, the bank announced today.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is calling on U.S. nonprofits to submit funding proposals for employment-related workforce development and educational programs. The funding is part of the Charlotte lender's three-year $50 million goal announced last summer to encourage self-sufficiency through employment.

"Ensuring Americans have the right skills to get back to work and, in turn, support the economic recovery is a critical focus for us right now," foundation President Kerry Sullivan said.

The $15 million will support job training programs, technical assistance and training for small businesses, as well as nonprofit programs that connect unemployed workers with job opportunities, the bank said.

Bank of America also announced funding for two programs that help connect young people to jobs: its Summer Youth Employment Initiative, which helps provide at-risk teens with summer jobs at local nonprofits and businesses, and its Student Leaders program, which provides community-minded high school students with paid internships at local nonprofits.

The bank is accepting grant applications through July 2. For details on programs and services that might qualify, or to submit an application, visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.