KeyBank awards $20,000 grant to Nampa youth empowerment program

KeyBank has awarded a $20,000 grant to Breaking Chains Academy of Development to support the Canyon County Youth Empowerment Project, which provides education, workforce training, mentoring and wraparound services to at-risk youth ages 16 to 18.

The program serves approximately 100 youth annually across Canyon County and surrounding communities. Participants often face school disengagement, housing instability, justice system involvement and the effects of trauma. Through a trauma-informed approach, the program helps students reengage in education, earn a GED or high school equivalency and build pathways to employment or continued learning.

The program combines GED instruction with job readiness training, mentoring and support services including meals, transportation, hygiene resources and mental health referrals. Each year, approximately 60 students are expected to earn their GED or equivalency, with most transitioning into employment, workforce training programs or postsecondary education.

Scott Schlange, Idaho market president for KeyBank, stated that the financial institution believes in helping those organizations that make a difference in the communities they serve.

“KeyBank is committed to investing in organizations that strengthen our community and create lasting opportunity,” he said. “Breaking Chains is doing critical work to support young people at a pivotal time in their lives.”

Grants such as the one KeyBank awarded Breaking Chains go a long way in giving recipients the ability to continue operating and helping those that can benefit from such services.

“This support from KeyBank is an investment in the potential of the young people we serve,” said Luis Granados, executive director of Breaking Chains Academy. “It allows us to continue providing the education, mentorship, and critical resources our students need to overcome obstacles and build independent, successful futures.”

Founded in 2016, Breaking Chains Academy of Development is a Nampa-based nonprofit dedicated to helping at-risk youth ages 14 to 18 break cycles of violence, crime and gang involvement through education, workforce development and mentoring.

This story was written using artificial intelligence with human oversight.