KeyBank Foundation Invests $300,000 in Workforce Training Program at ABC, Inc. Rochester

Rhea-AI Summary

KeyBank Foundation has announced a $300,000 investment in a new workforce training program at Action for a Better Community (ABC) in Rochester. The Energy Conservation Training Program will prepare workers for careers in home weatherization, home repair/maintenance, and energy conservation measures installation.

The program combines paid classroom instruction with hands-on field learning, providing participants with nationally certified energy conservation skills in high-demand occupations. The initiative aims to benefit both workers and property owners by improving home living conditions, reducing energy costs, and extending housing stock life. Since 2017, KeyBank has invested over $1 billion in the Rochester market, supporting affordable housing, community development, small business lending, and philanthropy.

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• Investment of $300,000 in workforce development program
• Over $1 billion invested in Rochester market since 2017

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• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 17, 2024 / KeyBank
Funds will help prepare workers for careers in home weatherization, home repair/maintenance and installation of energy conservation measures

The KeyBank Foundation is investing $300,000 in a new workforce training program at Action for a Better Community (ABC), Inc. in Rochester. The Energy Conservation Training Program prepares workers for careers in home weatherization, home repair/maintenance and installation of energy conservation measures.

"This innovative program not only provides workers with opportunities and knowledge in a growing field, it also supports homeowners by making homeownership sustainable, energy-efficient, and more affordable," said Vince Lecce, KeyBank Rochester Market President. "We are proud to support ABC's work that changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes Rochester a better place to live."

"ABC's strategic framework includes building and maintaining meaningful partnerships with entities that share our values, ethos, and strategic priorities," said Jerome H. Underwood, President & CEO if ABC, Inc. in Rochester. "We have been developing just this type of relationship with KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation over the past few years. There is significant alignment in our respective goals and objectives. We are appreciative of their investment in ABC's Energy Conservation Program as we do believe that this initiative will change the trajectory of the participants' lives."

Workers in the Energy Conservation Training Program divide their time between classroom instruction and hands-on learning in the field - with all program hours serving as paid employment. The project benefits participants directly by providing them with nationally certified energy conservation skills in a high-demand occupation. These skills can serve as the basis for careers in the building trades or in "green housing" retrofitting occupations. The program also benefits property owners looking to improve home living conditions, reduce energy costs and extend the life of existing housing stock.

In addition, the program impacts the broader community by employing individuals in the neighborhoods in which they live, boosting investment in economically challenged neighborhoods. More broadly, because the participants and neighborhoods to be served are disproportionately people of color/predominantly neighborhoods of color, the program advances racial equity in the greater Rochester area.

Participants will not only learn the job skills required to obtain and maintain employment, they will also be supported in navigating the challenges of the workplace as well as other day-to-day challenges that can make it difficult to maintain employment, such as housing, food, child care and transportation.

"The Energy Conservation Training Program addresses two issues in Rochester - workforce development and sustainable homeownership," said Chiwuike Owunwanne, KeyBank Rochester Corporate Responsibility Officer. "We applaud ABC's holistic work and align with their mission of promoting and providing opportunities for low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient."

Since 2017, KeyBank has made more than $1 billion in investments in the Rochester market, supporting affordable housing and community development projects; small business and home lending to low-to-moderate income individuals and communities, and transformative philanthropy.

• Learn more about KeyBank's commitment to helping clients and communities thrive

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Contact Info:
Spokesperson: KeyBank
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the value of KeyBank Foundation's investment in ABC Rochester's workforce program?

KeyBank Foundation is investing $300,000 in ABC Rochester's Energy Conservation Training Program.

How much has KeyBank (KEY) invested in the Rochester market since 2017?

KeyBank has invested more than $1 billion in the Rochester market since 2017, supporting affordable housing, community development, and small business lending.

What skills will participants gain from KeyBank's funded training program at ABC Rochester?

Participants will gain nationally certified energy conservation skills in home weatherization, home repair/maintenance, and installation of energy conservation measures.

How is KeyBank's (KEY) investment in ABC Rochester structured for participants?

The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on field learning, with all program hours serving as paid employment for participants.