CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 17,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Claflin University announces
that Bank of America will invest $500,000 to support the University's Center for
Social Justice and the Pathways From Prison Program. The
Pathways From Prison Program is a historic collaboration between
Claflin and the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC)
that provides incarcerated individuals in South Carolina access to the University's
exceptional academic programs.
Incarcerated individuals that meet Claflin and SCDC requirements
can earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, and
organizational management. They can also earn minors and
certificate credentials.
Bank of America's investment will support student scholarships;
enhance technological resources such as laptops, keyboards,
printers, routers, and wi-fi hotspots. Funding for the
partnership will also be used to increase the number of qualified
faculty and staff to ensure incarcerated students receive the same
high-quality educational experience that has earned Claflin
national recognition as one of the nation's premier liberal arts
universities.
"We are extremely grateful for Bank of America's support for our
Center for Social Justice and the Pathways From Prison Program.
Research indicates a dramatic reduction in recidivism rates for
incarcerated individuals who participate in prison education
programs," said Claflin President Dr. Dwaun
J. Warmack, a 2019 USA Eisenhower Fellow. Warmack's research
during his fellowship explored global best practices for reducing
mass incarceration through education and rehabilitation.
"Bank of America's reputation as a global leader in banking and
finance is widely recognized. This partnership amplifies their
commitment to equality, equity, and expanding economic
opportunities for diverse populations."
"Education is a gateway to a better life," said Kim Wilkerson, President, Bank of America South Carolina. "We appreciate Claflin
University's leadership and recognize the success and progress made
through the Pathways From Prison Program. Issues of racial
equality and economic opportunity are deeply connected, and it's
important to remove the barriers to success and focus on areas
where systemic, long-term gaps have existed."
The Pathways From Prison Program was established through the
Second Chance Pell Grant Pilot Program, a U.S. Department of
Education (DOE) initiative. The grant provides need-based Federal
Pell Grants to individuals incarcerated in federal and state
prisons. Claflin University was the only historically black
college/university (HBCU) in South
Carolina among 67 colleges and universities nationwide
selected for the program.
Claflin University
Claflin University is a comprehensive institution of higher
education affiliated with the United Methodist Church. A
historically black University founded in 1869, Claflin is dedicated
to providing a student-centered, liberal arts education grounded in
cutting-edge research, experiential learning, state-of-the art
technology, community service, and life-long personal and
professional fulfillment. Claflin is a diverse and inclusive
community of students, faculty, staff and administrators who work
to cultivate practical wisdom, judgment, knowledge, skills and
character needed for globally engaged citizenship and effective
leadership.
Bank of America Environmental, Social and Governance
At Bank of America (NYSE: BAC), we're guided by a common purpose
to help make financial lives better, through the power of every
connection. We're delivering on this through responsible growth
with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG)
leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and
reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and
credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for,
invest in and do business with. It's demonstrated in the inclusive
and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the
responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the
impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive.
An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with
nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and
environmental organizations, to bring together our collective
networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Connect with us
on Twitter (@BofA_News).
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements
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Reporters may contact:
|
|
Claflin
University
George Johnson
Phone: 1.803.535.5077 (office) / 1.240.338.2219 (cell)
geojohnson@claflin.edu
J. Craig Cotton
Phone: 1.803.535.5350 (office) / 1.757.708.4622 (cell)
jocotton@claflin.edu
|
Bank of
America
Eliza Murphy, Bank of
America
Phone:
1.347.603.6845
eliza.murphy@bofa.com
|
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SOURCE Bank of America Corporation