Citizens Bank has announced a new $20 million commitment over the next three years to support workforce development programs and promote long-term economic growth. This follows the $10 million the bank provided in 2024-2025, which expanded access to upskilling, reskilling, and career pathways.
The funding will continue to aid nonprofits that focus on improving educational and career opportunities, addressing changes in the modern economy, and strengthening economic mobility in areas where Citizens operates, including New Jersey.
“Workforce development is central to how Citizens supports its customers, colleagues, and communities,” said Bruce Van Saun, Chairman & CEO of Citizens. “With this new $20 million investment, we will build on the strong progress we’ve made in expanding access to training and career pathways and helping people gain the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.”
Data from the 2025 Junior Achievement Teen Workforce Survey shows that while most teens are optimistic about their future careers, many have concerns about technology’s impact on jobs. The survey found that 94% of teens feel hopeful about their future careers. However, 57% believe artificial intelligence has negatively affected their outlook by raising fears of job replacement and highlighting the need for new skills. Nearly nine out of ten teens report feeling pressure to make correct career choices; most see adaptability, continuous learning, and real-world experience as essential for success.
“Teens know the future of work will require adaptability and continuous learning,” said Susan LaMonica, Chief Human Resources Officer at Citizens. “Citizens is helping prepare them through investments in workforce development and partnerships with organizations like Junior Achievement, while also ensuring our investments, our leaders and our culture are equipping and preparing our colleagues with the skills and tools to thrive in a transforming workplace.”
As part of its latest commitment, Citizens partners with national organizations such as Year Up United and Education Design Lab (EDL), along with hundreds of local nonprofits. These collaborations aim to expand access to upskilling programs, connect individuals with in-demand career paths, and increase economic opportunity across communities nationwide.
In 2024-2025 alone, Citizens provided $1.6 million for its Community College Accelerator program with EDL at ten schools across Boston, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Rhode Island. Additionally, it granted $600,000 to LISC New York and Central Brooklyn EDC for launching the Brooklyn Youth Offshore Wind Training Program.
More information about Citizens’ sustainability efforts can be found on their website.
