KeyBank Donates $300,000 to Utah Community Action Program

Salt Lake City, Utah, April 11, 2024

KeyBank has provided a $300,000 grant to Utah Community Action (UCA) in support of the expansion of UCA's workforce development program. This program which offers training and credentials to help low-income individuals increase wages, benefits, job retention and further their career opportunities.

Founded in 1965, UCA is one of over 1,100 community action agencies across the country providing low- and moderate-income families with comprehensive services to lift people out of poverty. One of UCA’s programs is Workforce Development, designed to increase skills and employability for lower-income community members. The grant from KeyBank will help to expand the current program to include innovative workforce solutions which may include custodial work and various trades, such as HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers and other contracted expertise that remains in short supply in Utah. The current Workforce Development Program offers culinary and child development credentialing.

“We have seen the increased need to support and provide workforce development and other essential life skills to disadvantaged adults in our community,” said Drew Yergensen, president of KeyBank’s Utah market. “This grant will help to equip more young adults in our community with the confidence, skills and training needed to navigate the workplace and manage their household budgets.”

“Utah Community Action is grateful for our trust-based partnership with KeyBank,” said J. Janell Cerva, chief impact and strategy officer at Utah Community Action. Their investment will foster innovative approaches to workforce development that truly meet the needs of individuals, our agency and the community through tailored supports that increase job readiness. KeyBank’s long-term investment in this program highlights their commitment to making a meaningful impact over time.”

Through the administration of six complimentary programs, UCA provided services to approximately 50,000 Utahns in 2023. The programs include Workforce Development, Head Start Preschool, Housing & Case Management, HEAT utility assistance, Nutrition, and home Weatherization.

Utah Community Action has been supporting the local community for 60 years, with the mission of empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building communities through education and self-reliance programs. Through our six core programs—Workforce Development, Head Start Preschool, HEAT utility assistance, Housing & Case Management, home Weatherization, and Nutrition—UCA meets the needs of the community, especially individuals struggling with poverty. Each client receives holistic case management and wrap around supports to help them obtain and sustain self-reliance.