Cleveland nonprofit awarded $200,000 grant by Bank of America Corp.

Bank of America Corp. has awarded a $200,000 grant to local nonprofit and 2018 Cleveland Neighborhood Builder, The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network.

The organization is being recognized for its “Early College, Early Career” program, an initiative offering local high school students the opportunity to work part time at a local manufacturing company where they gain work experience, soft skills, professional mentorship, college credit and earn an hourly wage.

The nonprofit was selected for its work throughout Northeast Ohio to address issues fundamental to economic mobility.

MAGNET, with offices in Cleveland and Akron, supports the manufacturing companies of Northeast Ohio, helping them compete globally while growing locally, and offering a range of services as part of the national and Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

According to a news release, MAGNET will also receive a year of leadership training for President and CEO Ethan Karp, and an Emerging Leader, Executive Director Autumn Russell, in addition to access to a network of peer organizations across the United States.

“We’re thrilled to award MAGNET with a Neighborhood Builders grant this year and partner with them to support their innovative approach to workforce development in Ohio,” said Jeneen Marziani, Ohio Market president for Bank of America. “MAGNET works to make connections with local high school students and area businesses to provide resources to those in the manufacturing industry, one that is so vital to the state.”

With the grant, MAGNET plans to expand and strengthen its “Early College, Early Career” program by connecting employers, high schools, community colleges and communities. MAGNET currently has about 80 students working in ten companies throughout Northeast Ohio.

Karp said MAGNET is honored and excited to be named a Neighborhood Builders grant recipient.

“The funding allows us to invest in the scaling up of our ‘Early College, Early Career’ program. We are excited to continue adapting the best of European-style manufacturing apprenticeships to Northeast Ohio, weaving together all the necessary elements to create seamless career pathways.

“We believe ECEC is truly unique in its holistic approach to manufacturing awareness, training, and preparation for long-term and rewarding careers in manufacturing,” Karp said.