Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) has awarded a $50,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties (BBBSEHU) in Newark, N.J., to support the organization's "Big Futures through Mentoring & Workforce Development" initiative, according to a press release.

The program serves young people ages 14 to 24 in underrepresented and low-income communities, connecting them to career exploration, college readiness, and professional networks in industries including healthcare, finance, law, real estate, and STEM. Participants receive resume workshops, interview coaching, financial literacy training, college coaching, and access to internships and scholarships.

A pilot component developed with St. Peter's University allows college students to earn paid work-study income and academic credit while serving as mentors to younger participants. BBBSEHU said it plans to expand that model.

Program targets include a 90% high school graduation rate among participants and at least a 70% post-secondary enrollment rate in colleges, trade schools, or certificate programs.

"When young people have access to professional mentors and real career experiences, the impact reaches far beyond the individual," said Alberto Garofalo, president of Bank of America New Jersey.

BBBSEHU currently reaches more than 3,200 young people annually and has served nearly 5,000 local youth since its founding. In June 2026, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America named the organization its "Agency of the Year." It was also selected as one of five agencies nationwide to receive the Pinnacle Award for program excellence out of more than 230 affiliates.