MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Sept. 19, 2023 – The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, on Tuesday announced a $15,000 grant to Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG) to support students across Alabama preparing to enter the workforce.
“The Regions Foundation is committed to funding programs that provide hope and opportunity, helping people overcome barriers and achieve success,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “JAG is empowering students by addressing challenges and equipping them for brighter futures. The Regions Foundation is honored to support this work because we see the impact JAG is making by helping the students of today prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.”
The Regions Foundation grant will support JAG’s Youth Workforce Development program, including the 2024 JAG State Career Development Conference. Grant funding will help offset the cost for nearly 1,000 students across Alabama to attend the state conference in Birmingham, where they will be able to participate in leadership and career workshops, academic competitions and more.
JAG is empowering students by addressing challenges and equipping them for brighter futures. The Regions Foundation is honored to support this work because we see the impact JAG is making by helping the students of today prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.
Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation
Additionally, Regions Foundation funding will expand access for students in the Youth Development program offering academic support, career development, job-readiness training, job-shadowing opportunities, mentoring, and one-on-one coaching from JAG specialists. JAG works with employers, community organizations, and other stakeholders across Alabama to help students secure opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, full-time jobs and more. The state’s JAG program is managed by the Alabama State Department of Education.
“Our department is truly appreciative today for the Regions Foundation’s generous contribution to the Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates program,” said Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric G. Mackey. “This initiative serves students in grades nine through 12 statewide who may have a greater chance of experiencing negative at-risk circumstances in their lives, which ultimately could create permanent barriers to their high school graduation success, college advancement, and future career achievement. The Regions Foundation has a clear track record of making meaningful investments that benefit the people of Alabama, and we extend our sincere appreciation for the foundation’s support of JAG and our students.”
Since 2020, the Regions Foundation has provided $45,000 to JAG Alabama. That commitment is part of more than $450,000 in funding the Regions Foundation has provided the national JAG affiliate, Jobs for America’s Graduates. The Regions Foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives that advance three key priorities:
- Education and workforce readiness
- Economic and community development
- Financial wellness
Regions Bank’s Central Alabama market executive, Robert Birmingham, said the latest Regions Foundation grant will complement volunteerism from Regions Bank associates supporting JAG initiatives in Alabama and beyond.
“At Regions Bank, our commitment to community engagement is focused on making life better in the communities we serve,” Birmingham said. “Our teams spend thousands of hours every year volunteering for organizations that make a difference in people’s lives. That includes mentoring through JAG and supporting students who are working hard to succeed academically and prepare for their next chapter.”
JAG Alabama currently operates 47 programs across the state and serves over 1,600 students. In 2022, the Alabama program had a 99% graduation rate of students in the program.
About Regions Foundation
Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $156 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.