Bank of America announced last Friday it has awarded $200,000 in funding and leadership resources to both Chicago Scholars and Enlace Chicago as part of Bank’s signature Neighborhood Builders® program. The nonprofits were selected as 2019 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders for their dedication to addressing issues fundamental to economic mobility across the Chicago area. Chicago Scholars is making an impact by selecting, training and mentoring academically ambitious students from under-resourced communities to complete college and become the next generation of leaders. Enlace Chicago is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of Little Village residents by fostering a safe and healthy environment and by championing opportunities for educational advancement and economic development.

“It’s amazing that after 15 years, our Neighborhood Builders program continues to drive such a significant impact throughout Chicagoland,” said Paul Lambert, Chicago market president, Bank of America. “Our Neighborhood Builders alumni play such an integral role in shaping their communities, and Chicago as a whole. It’s through programs like this that our nonprofit partners have the power to plan strategically for growth and long-term sustainability.”

Over the past 15 years, Bank of America has invested $240 million in 49 communities through Neighborhood Builders, partnering with more than 1,000 nonprofits and helping more than 2,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills.  “My vision for Little Village is a united, safe community where families continuously invest and engage in their own development, and where our community finds opportunities for growth,” said Katya Nuques, executive director, Enlace Chicago. “As the leader of Enlace Chicago, I want that self-determination to be the engine that drives change; for our staff, participants, and the entire community. The combination of funding and leadership development available through the Neighborhood Builders program makes it a unique opportunity, both today and for years to come.

“I believe that education is not a merit of socioeconomic status, but a valuable resource to pull marginalized youth out of poverty and into leadership positions that positively influence their communities,” said Dominique Jordan Turner, CEO, Chicago Scholars. “We strive to position Chicago Scholars as an influencer and a convener. I want our organization and our peers to think about ourselves as part of the system that we want to – and can – change.”