Citi Foundation
New York, NY
The Citi Foundation has announced 2 awarded grants, totaling $2.1 million to support youth mentoring programs. The grants are part of the Foundation’s Pathways to Progress Initiative launched in 2014. The initiative is a $50 million commitment over three years to 10 cities across the nation to help unlock economic opportunities for 100,000 young people, aged 16 to 24.
The New York City based organization, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, or MLT, will receive $1.1 million. The organization is dedicated to working with high potential minorities to develop the next generation of leaders. MLT focuses on college and career prep activities, coaching/mentoring and networking to create a fast track to college and careers. MLT’s programs serve high school students to mid-career professionals.
The Citi Foundation’s grant will be used to launch the MLT Ascent program. This program will connect 1,000 undergraduate students, nationwide, with mentors within the career path of their choosing. The Ascent program matches current undergrads with early to mid-career MLT alumnae – all first generation college graduates. Students will receive one on one support and career planning.
Citi Foundation has also awarded imentor with a $1 million grant to expand their current mentoring services. The organization matches low income students with mentors that encourage post secondary education through assistance with college applications and financial aid process and continued support through the college years.
The grant will enable imentor to increase their reach from 3,000 NYC youth to 4,000 young people. $800,000 of the grant will be matched dollar for dollar through the federal government’s Social Innovation Fund. The Citi Foundation’s support will also enable iMentor to redesign its technology platform, enhance its program data analysis, and better measure its impact.
“Many successful leaders can point to at least one person who helped them navigate career opportunities and choices,” said Ed Skyler, Citi’s head of public affairs and chairman of the Citi Foundation in a statement. “In a competitive environment, mentors are essential in helping students succeed academically and distinguish themselves by supplementing their education with seasoned advice. With this support, the Citi Foundation aims to improve the career readiness of these students by connecting them with committed mentors.”
Judith Fenlon is the Money and Business editor for The Imprint