Charleston Metro Chamber awarded grant from Bank of America
December 3, 2018
Charleston Metro Chamber’s Lead CHS Foundation has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Bank of America in support of Career Academies – career-themed schools within high schools, in which the learning environment reflects the atmosphere and expectations of the 21st century workplace.
The funds will be used to develop and enhance the Career Academy program and to initiate a new Talent Advancement Cabinet. This cabinet will be composed of industry leaders in each area of academy focus to build a higher level of partnership between schools, businesses and industry. The group will be focused on identifying specific tactics and an implementation strategy to ensure students graduating from regional high schools have the skills they need as they enter the workforce or go on to post-secondary education.
Additionally, the Chamber will also continue to work with district leaders to strengthen adoption of the career academy model in all three districts. Their goal is to have full adoption of Career Academies across Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester County high schools; giving all regional students the chance to explore curriculum and careers while still in high school.
“We are excited about what is to come for our Career Academies program,” said Bryan Derreberry, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “With this generous grant from Bank of America, we are able to provide the most practical and approachable way for students to explore and experience what it’s like to work in an industry or job in the future, furthering our initiative to educate our local talent to fill high-demand jobs in our region.”
Bank of America is helping build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic health and sustainability. They are addressing issues related to workforce development and basic needs. As a financial institution, they are responding in two ways —by helping to address the immediate need as well as funding innovative longer term solutions for economic self-sufficiency through their investment of $2 billion over ten years in this effort.
About the Charleston Metro Chamber: With approximately 1,600 member organizations representing 160,000 professionals, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce serves as the collective voice of the business community, and a catalyst for regional economic advancement and member success through Talent, Advocacy, Leadership and Business Development. Visit charlestonchamber.org
