Bank of America Expands Partnership With Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties to Grow Mentoring and Workforce Development Programming

Key pointsBig Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties received new grant support from Bank of America for their "Big Futures through Mentoring & Workforce Development" initiative Program connects mentored youth to in-demand career paths and professional networks Investment reflects Bank of America New Jersey's growing relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties and a commitment to workforce developmentBank of America announced a $50,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties (BBBSEHU) in support of its "Big Futures through Mentoring & Workforce Development" initiative. The investment will help expand the organization's established model of professionally supported one-to-one mentoring that connects young people ages 14-24 in underrepresented and low-income communities to career exploration, college readiness, and long-term economic mobility. Continue Reading The "Big Futures through Mentoring & Workforce Development" initiative goes beyond traditional mentoring to function as a workforce pipeline. Program participants receive career exploration and exposure to in-demand industries including healthcare, finance, law, real estate, and STEM. Mentees participate in corporate site visits and job shadowing, resume workshops, interview coaching, financial literacy training, and college coaching through Bright Horizons. The program also connects participants to internships, scholarships, summer employment, and workforce development opportunities through a robust network of corporate, university, and healthcare partners.A standout component of the initiative is an innovative pilot developed in partnership with St. Peter's University, in which college students earn paid work-study income and academic credit while serving as mentors to younger program participants. BBBSEHU plans to expand this model, creating a scalable structure that simultaneously prepares college students for professional careers and delivers mentorship to the youth who need it most."Mentorship is one of the smartest investments we can make in our future workforce," said Carlos Lejnikes, President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. "Through this partnership, Bank of America's investment allows us to expand pathways to college and meaningful careers for the next generation of talent through our signature one-to-one mentoring model." Bank of America's investment in BBBSEHU reflects its broader commitment to workforce development across the communities it serves. Working with organizations that prepare the next generation of skilled workers for success helps drive economic growth in New Jersey and beyond."When young people have access to professional mentors and real career experiences, the impact reaches far beyond the individual," said Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey. "Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties has built something that works: a direct connection between underserved youth and the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to build lasting economic security."Through this program, BBBSEHU aims to achieve a 90% high school graduation rate among participants, at least 70% enrollment rate in post-secondary education, including colleges, trade schools, and certificate programs, and attainment of paid internships, jobs, and workforce development programs. Mentored youth can go on to earn 15-20% more over their lifetimes than their non-mentored peers, translating to an estimated $1 billion in additional lifetime earnings for the youth BBBSEHU has served.Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties is one of the most recognized youth mentoring agencies in the country. Based in Newark, the organization matches young people across with volunteer mentors drawn from the business community and provides the professional support infrastructure to make those relationships lasting and impactful. In June 2026, the organization was named "Agency of the Year" by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). It was selected as one of only five agencies nationwide to receive the Pinnacle Award for program excellence, out of more than 230 affiliates across the country. The organization has also received BBBSA's Growth Award and Gold Standard, Quality, and Platinum designations for operational excellence and match quality. Since its founding, BBBSEHU has served nearly 5,000 local youth and currently reaches more than 3,200 young people annually through direct services, mentoring, and career awareness programming.

Bank of America Expands Partnership With Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties to Grow Mentoring and Workforce Development Programming

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