Dec. 13, 2022
AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward’s University has received a $120,000 grant from Bank of America to support low-income students from underrepresented backgrounds and enhance educational opportunities for all students.
St. Edward’s will leverage Bank of America’s funding to provide economic mobility and workforce development support to build pathways for low-income students, students of color, first-generation college students, Pell-eligible students, College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) participants, and The Bill Munday School of Business scholars.
“Social mobility is a focal point for St. Edward's strategic plan, and we are honored and grateful for our continued partnership with Bank of America,” said President Montserrat Fuentes. “This funding will support our efforts to prepare the next generation of students for the workforce, responding to the diverse talent needs and demands of the growing Austin and Central Texas region.”
A portion of the funding will support professional development and networking activities for CAMP students including two photo booths to provide professional headshots for students preparing for job interviews. This year marks the 50th anniversary of St. Edward’s CAMP, a proven model for breaking the cycle of generational poverty for the children of Hispanic/Latino farmworkers through college attainment.
Funding will amplify the university’s AACSB-accredited school of business’ mentoring program in which team members from Bank of America’s Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA) employee network are paired with St. Edward’s University undergraduate students.
"Recognized for their commitment to first-generation students, The St. Edward’s University CAMP is uniquely tailored to provide migrant students with global educational experiences to help them achieve their career goals and we’ve seen many leaders in Austin serve as examples of the program’s success,” said David Bader, President of Bank of America Austin. “With a partnership spanning over two decades, Bank of America remains committed to providing critical support to life-changing educational institutions in our region that help to address our workforce gaps, advance racial and ethnic equality and strengthen our economy.”
St. Edward’s University is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority-serving institution. More than 40% of its students are eligible for federal Pell grants. The university’s success with low-income and first-generation students has garnered national recognition.
Bank of America and St. Edward's University
Top row (L to R): Evan Linneman, AVP, Community Relations Manager, Bank of America; David Bader, Market Executive for Central Texas, Bank of America; Dr. Louise Single, Dean of The Bill Munday School of Business; Carla Molina, SVP, External Communications & Austin Market Executive, Bank of America; Joe DeMedeiros,Vice President Advancement; Meghann Bolton, Director of Foundation Relations
Bottom row (L to R): Madison Wells, Outreach Coordinator, The Bill Munday School of Business; Cielo Bocanegra ‘24; Jessica Gallardo ‘25; Sonia P. Briseño, Director of CAMP
About St. Edward’s University:
St. Edward’s University is a private, liberal arts university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,600 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 55 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 20 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s remains in the list of top 10 Best Regional Universities in the West for the 4th consecutive year.