PeoplesBank will be presenting $75,000 to Girls Inc. of the Valley this month at their annual Business Leaders Reception on Thursday, January 30. Girls Inc. of the Valley is in the early stages of a $5 million comprehensive campaign with three primary goals:
- Build a permanent home in downtown Holyoke, MA
- Expand school-based programming in Holyoke, Chicopee and Springfield
- Extend the Eureka! STEM education program
As a result of the campaign, Girls Inc. of the Valley will serve more than 1,000 girls each year with intensive, research-based programming designed to empower girls and provide opportunities to succeed in school and beyond. This partnership will help Girls Inc. of the Valley to expand their program offerings and create a stronger network that encourages girls to achieve, and contributes to the bank’s goals of community vibrancy and academic excellence.
Girls Inc. of the Valley will be presented with $75,000 from PeoplesBank during their annual Business Leaders Reception on Thursday, January 30, from 8-9am, at Cubit Coworks located at 164 Race Street in Holyoke, MA. PeoplesBank President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Senecal, will be in attendance to present the comprehensive campaign gift in the form of a large check to Girls Inc. of the Valley at the event.
“We have chosen to support Girls Inc. of the Valley with this sizable grant because they consistently demonstrate the actual outcomes of their programs, and because they have shown such a strong and unwavering commitment to the communities they serve,” said Tom Senecal, President and CEO of PeoplesBank. “The future of our region depends upon an active and engaged workforce, and Girls Inc. of the Valley is helping to prepare many of these future leaders. We applaud their efforts, and encourage others in the business community to join us in building up and developing these exceptional girls.”
The need for qualified science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals in our workforce continues to grow and women – particularly women of color – continue to be underrepresented in these fields. The barriers girls face today in the United States are real and profound. The programs that Girls Inc. of the Valley offer, particularly Eureka!, expose girls to the STEM fields and support them with mentors and guidance, specialized curricula, internships and other hands-on opportunities to nurture their curiosity and interests. The Her Future, Our Future comprehensive campaign is a bold initiative designed to significantly move the needle on breaking the cycle of poverty and providing tangible opportunities for Pioneer Valley girls to achieve academic and personal success.
“PeoplesBank has been investing in the Girls Inc. of the Valley Experience for years, long before I became the Executive Director,” says Executive Director of Girls Inc. of the Valley, Suzanne Parker. “They are a company that truly walks the talk when it comes to community care and involvement. The banks employees have volunteered for events and hosted girls on field trips, and bank leaders have lent their expertise as board and committee members. Most recently the bank has wowed us with this $75K commitment for Her Future, Our Future. We are so thankful for PeoplesBank’s loyal support.”
When complete, Girls Inc. of the Valley will serve more than 1,000 girls per year – nearly 5% of the combined female population of the Holyoke, Chicopee and Springfield public school systems. The campaign directly aligns with PeoplesBank’s focus on building vibrant communities and a skilled and motivated workforce. More than 85% of the girls who participate in Girls Inc. of the Valley’s programs say they view their future positively and that they plan to go to college; most will be first in their families to do so.
Media are invited to attend. If interested, or have questions regarding the event please contact Jessica Colson at jcolson@girlsincvalley.org.
