Citizens Bank awards $275k in grants to summer jobs programs in Boston, Springfield

By Chris Reidy, Globe Staff

Citizens Bank and the Citizens Bank Foundation said they are awarding grants totaling $275,000 to support workforce development and youth summer jobs programs to community organizations in Boston and Springfield.

Citizens said it is awarding grants to the Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston, Boston Private Industry Council, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, Roca Inc., and YMCA of Greater Boston.

“Citizens Bank understands the value of investing in tomorrow’s workforce today by providing youth and adults with the opportunity to become self-sufficient,” Jerry Sargent, president of Citizens Bank and RBS Citizens Massachusetts, said in a statement. “It is gratifying to see the exciting and innovative job-training and workforce development programs our community partners are putting into action throughout our Commonwealth.”

Citizens’ release included a statement from Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

“Citizens is providing an opportunity for students who have worked hard all year to learn and test their skills in a business environment,” Menino said.

Citizens Bank is a division of RBS Citizens N.A., operating its seven-state branch network in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It has 252 branches and 754 ATMs in Massachusetts.