A Holland-based architecture firm donated a gift of $5,000 each to four Michigan organizations.
GMB Architecture + Engineering selected Michigan CASA, New City Kids (NCK), Grand Rapids Urban League and ACE Mentor Program as donation recipients to advance its belief in providing transformational opportunities for communities, industries and the world through education.
The nonprofits were chosen by GMB employees based on work in that impacts students in many areas of their lives, fosters continual learning and creates opportunity for all.
In addition to providing funding, GMB also partnered with the selected organizations to assist with many of their initiatives designed to propel continual learning opportunities for students of all ages.
“GMB is a people-first, employee-owned company that believes strongly in extending our values of learning, growing and giving into our communities,” said David Bolt, CEO of GMB. “By encouraging our employees to put forward organizations in their own communities, we’re able to contribute to initiatives that our people are passionate about and where the impact can be more greatly felt in our ecosystem.”
As the statewide association for 28 local programs for court appointed special advocates for children, Michigan CASA allocated donated funds to its 2022 monthly educational series. Nearly 100 CASA directors, staff and volunteers cover important topics in the training, including diversity, equity and inclusion; trauma; and best practices for those working with children in the foster care system.
NCK offers afterschool programming for low-income youth in urban areas. The organization planned to hire 50 teenagers as tutors and music instructors, up from 42 last year. Directors of the group had faith support for the initiative would come and accepted applications from more than 75 students eager to fill the 20 open positions. With the help of GMB’s gift, NCK can ensure all 50 student instructors earn a paycheck for their work while inspiring others in the program to develop their skills as viable, income-generating careers.
The Grand Rapids Urban League provides programming to address employment, education, housing and health disparities, especially for people of color. Its Center for Education Innovation and Parent Empowerment offers resources and a place for individuals to come together to creatively solve issues and to advance student, family and community success in all aspects of education.
The ACE Mentor Program will be granted named scholarships for its Indianapolis and Lansing affiliates from the donation, and GMB will continue its involvement through mentorship, sharing experiences and leading project site visits for students involved in programming with ACE. The nonprofit’s award-winning, free afterschool program is designed to encourage high school students to pursue careers in architecture, construction, engineering and skilled trades. Since its inception in 1994, ACE has founded more than 70 affiliates in 37 states, paving the way for hundreds of students to find successful careers in such industries.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide additional scholarships for students to experience the architecture, construction and engineering industries, particularly in Indianapolis and the new Lansing affiliate,” said Khalil Berryhill, regional director of ACE Mentor Program. “Beyond this gift, GMB’s partnership and active involvement in sharing (its) expertise with students in the program is invaluable.”
More information about GMB is at gmb.com.
Facebook Comments