Bank of America Awards $250,000 Grant to Indian River State College

Bank of America today announced a $250,000 grant to Indian River State College (IRSC) in support of the development and programming at IRSC’s Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex. The purpose-built facility, scheduled for a 2023 opening, will link advanced technology and leading-edge industry training in specialized technical career fields, such as advanced manufacturing, automotive, aviation and marine technology, welding, and more.

Since 1960, IRSC has offered high-skill and career-training programs to meet the ever-changing workforce needs of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties. IRSC's programs nurture industrial advancement while extending long-term economic opportunity to Treasure Coast residents by creating a dynamic workforce pipeline designed to propel regional growth and support business expansion. The state-of-the-art, 60,000-square-foot facility will be equipped with the technology and tools needed to prepare local students for high-demand, high-paying jobs.

“Bank of America’s investment in Indian River State College will establish the Bank of America Welding—Metal Joining Lab, a critical component of the forthcoming Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex,” says Michael Hageloh, interim vice president for Advancement. “The grant will help IRSC transform and expand the learning environment for our students by providing the latest technology—updated equipment, virtual reality welding machines, and more—to develop their skills and become workforce ready.”

Bank of America is a longtime partner of IRSC as part of its commitment to fostering economic growth in the community by supporting organizations that help businesses and individuals achieve financial stability. The bank recently provided additional funding to strengthen the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at IRSC, which offers business consulting services to qualified and emerging businesses.

“We partner with nonprofits that mentor, educate and train today’s youth because solid work experience and skills are critical in promoting self-sufficiency and economic opportunity for local individuals and families,” said Doug Sherman, president, Bank of America Treasure Coast. “We look forward to seeing how the new IRSC Complex prepares the next generation of diverse talent to address ongoing labor shortages and empower tomorrow’s workforce for high-demand careers.”