WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (July 26, 2023) – KeyBank Foundation and the West Palm Beach Library Foundation have announced a new partnership in support of literacy, with KeyBank Foundation awarding a $10,000 grant to fund “Improving Reading Skills of Children to Secure Future Education Success”. The gift will assist the Library Foundation in financially supporting two critical programs that address the need to increase reading skills of children – Summer Learning and Reading, and the Elementary Homework Center at the Mandel Public Library.
Library Foundation Executive Director Dean W. Dimke stated, “Reading is one of the most critical life skills in determining a person’s ability to not only reach their potential, but to have a sustainable life. We are excited to partner with KeyBank to expand our ability to bring literacy to more underserved youth in our community. Truly, this partnership will be a difference maker for so many.”
Data shows that in the public schools nearest to the Mandel Public Library of West Palm, less than one-third of kindergarteners start school ready to learn. By the third grade only 40% have become proficient readers. Research shows that children who have not mastered reading by third grade are less likely to graduate. Adults without high school diplomas make less than their peers who graduated. For many, a diploma is the difference between poverty and a living wage.
“KeyBank Foundation is committed to partnering with community organizations that work to improve the lives of underserved populations in our neighborhoods through education, workforce development, and community investment,” said Michael T. Schneider, KeyBank Florida Market President and market leader for Key Private Bank’s offices in West Palm Beach Gardens, Naples, and Fort Myers. “As a long-time sponsor of the West Palm Beach Library, we are proud to support their work advancing literacy through KeyBank Foundation.”
Since 2017, KeyBank has made community investments totaling more than $341 million supporting low to moderate income individuals and neighborhoods in Florida. This involves lending for affordable housing, community development, small businesses, residential mortgages and home improvements, and transformative philanthropy.
About the West Palm Beach Library Foundation:
The Mandel Public Library offers life-changing programs, services, and resources to children, teens, and adults in our community, all free of charge thanks to the financial support provided by the West Palm Beach Library Foundation. The Foundation hopes to create an inspired community where children excel, and adults thrive. Gifts to the Foundation support popular library programs including afterschool homework centers, summer learning programs, reading programs, teen college prep, job readiness, and adult programs in art, technology, education, culture, and entertainment.
About KeyBank Foundation:
KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through three funding priorities – neighbors, education, and workforce – and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.
About Key Private Bank:
Key Private Bank is a leading provider of wealth management solutions and advice for high-net worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, including wealth advisory, investment management, trust administration, customized credit, family office and private banking services. Key’s wealth management platform combines the market insights of local advisors with a national team of wealth and investment strategists to deliver proactive and personalized advice and expertise to clients. Advisors also leverage partnerships with Key’s business banking and capital markets teams to build wealth plans tailored to meet each client’s specific need. Key Private Bank’s wealth management platform is delivered across 15 of the United States. Key Private Bank has $50.2 billion in AUM and $70.1 billion in AUA as of March 31, 2023.