Bank / Credit Union

Citizens to provide $20M for workforce development

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September 25, 2025

Citizens will provide $20 million for workforce development programs from 2026 to 2028. The funding will support nonprofits providing educational and career training, according to a press release.

With this commitment, Citizens aims to improve economic mobility across its footprint, especially with teens. A 2025 Junior Achievement Workforce survey found 94% of teens are optimistic about their careers but 57% believe AI has impacted their outlook.

"Workforce development is central to how Citizens supports its customers, colleagues and communities," Bruce Van Saun, chairman and CEO of Citizens, said in the release. "With this new $20 million investment, we will build on the strong progress we've made in expanding access to training and career pathways and helping people gain the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing environment."

Citizens collaborated with national organizations like Education Design Lab and Year Up United to connect individuals to career training and pathways.

"Teens know the future of work will require adaptability and continuous learning," Susan LaMonica, chief human resources officer, Citizens, said in the release. "Citizens is helping prepare them through investments in workforce development and partnerships with organizations like Junior Achievement, while also ensuring our investments, our leaders and our culture are equipping and preparing our colleagues with the skills and tools to thrive in a transforming workplace."