Bank of America works to create more economic opportunities in the communities it serves. The company also focuses on both education and diversity and inclusion. “A key component to the work we do through the Bank of America Charitable Foundation is making sure that youth and young adults have everything they need to reach their academic and social potential,” said Jeremey Williams, community relations manager executive, Bank of America. One of the organizations Bank of America partners with is the Technology Access Foundation (TAF). A recent $100k grant given by Bank of America supports Network for EdWork to build out a strong network of diverse teachers within Washington’s K-12 public schools. “Working with nonprofit organizations like Technology Access Foundation really allows us to make an on the ground, tangible impact,” Williams said. TAF works with schools to help them deliver quality education through project-based learning and helps them establish a diverse workforce. “It takes time so that we can produce students that are self-aware, socially conscious, and have the tools to be creators, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and leaders,” said Trish Dziko, co-founder and executive director, Technology Access Foundation. Bank of America is focused on diversity and inclusion all year long, but during Black History Month, it was particularly important to its Black Professionals Group employee network to connect with BIPOC students. They discussed career development, banking roles, and careers in STEM education, as well as the building blocks of credit and a strong financial foundation. Less than 20 percent of teachers in Washington state are of color, but over 60 percent of students in the state are of color, according to TAF. TAF, with the support of Bank of America, helps teachers get established in their careers and create a network in the industry. “Representation matters,” Dziko said. “They [students] need to see themselves, not just in the teacher, but in the curricular content.” Half of Bank of America’s U.S. team is racially or ethnically diverse, and since 2015, representation of Black individuals in the top three management levels has increased by 100 percent. “I’ve always been a firm believer that what you see really helps shape what you can become,” Williams said. “And that’s really the goal of Bank of America. Our diversity is our strength.” To learn more, visit the Bank of America and TAF websites. Sponsored by Bank of America. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KING 5's New Day Northwest is Western Washington's only local daytime talk show. Watch it weekdays at 11 a.m. PST on KING 5 TV and streaming live on http://www.king5.com. #newdaynw 🢒 Follow New Day Northwest! 🢐 FACEBOOK 🢒 https://www.facebook.com/newdaynw TWITTER 🢒 https://twitter.com/newdaynw INSTAGRAM 🢒 https://www.instagram.com/newdaynw