Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket named 2024 Champion in Action by Citizens and NBC10

Pawtucket, RI Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket has been named a Citizens’ 2024 Champion in Action for their efforts to prepare students and workers for in-demand digital and technology jobs. Announced jointly by Citizens and NBC10, Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket will receive $50,000 in unrestricted funding, and promotional and volunteer support to propel their work to prepare Rhode Island’s workforce of the future.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket is ecstatic to be named a Citizens’ 2024 Champion in Action,” said Jim Hoyt, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket. “At the Club, we are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through a variety of high-quality programs - that set up local kids for a bright future. As a Champion in Action, our Club plans to incorporate additional digital literacy curriculum and create even more opportunities for youth through our Club’s Workforce Development Program, Members to Moguls.”

In keeping with their mission, the Club serves thousands of youth by offering them quality after-school and summer programs where they can learn, grow, and have fun in a safe space. This year alone, they served 3,779 members who have the choice of a selection of high-yield learning activities that support the goals set in four priority areas for youth development.

As a Champion in Action, organizations will benefit from:

• A $50,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from Citizens;

• Media coverage and public service announcements from NBC10;

• Volunteer support from Citizens colleagues; and

• Public relations and promotional support.

“At Citizens, we are committed to helping develop the workforce of the future by investing in nonprofits that are helping build accessible pathways to well-paying careers,” said Keith Kelly, Rhode Island president at Citizens Bank. “As one of our seven 2024 Champions in Action grantees, we are honored to support Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket’s programs that are expanding access to technology trainings and resources needed to meet Rhode Island’s current and future industry needs.”

“The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket is the perfect fit as a Champion in Action” said Vic Vetters, vice president and general manager for NBC10.

Citizens’ Champions in Action program celebrates and supports local nonprofits with operating budgets under $5 million who are creating lasting change in the communities they serve. Twice a year, one nonprofit in each of Citizens’ seven major markets is selected to receive funding, promotional and volunteer support to accelerate programming and services focused on a topic that aligns with one of Citizens’ sustainability and impact focus areas – Driving Positive Climate Impact, Building the Workforce of the Future, and Fostering Strong Communities.

Since the program’s launch 22 years ago, Citizens has awarded more than $11 million in unrestricted grants and promotional and volunteer support to more than 380 Champions in Action nonprofit winners across the bank’s footprint. In Rhode Island alone, 63 nonprofits have been honored, receiving more than $1.8 million in funding.

For more information about the Champions in Action program, visit Champions in Action | Be Inspired | Citizens (citizensbank.com). To learn more about Citizens’ sustainability and impact strategy, visit Sustainability and Impact (citizensbank.com).