The nonprofit Friends of Portland Adult Education has received $60,000 from Bank of America to enhance Portland Adult Education’s workforce training programs and student career services. The donation will expand employer partnerships and create tailored opportunities for Maine’s multilingual populations that will promote racial equity and strengthen Maine’s economy.

“High quality workforce training makes a meaningful impact on workers’ skills and readiness, which in turn boosts local businesses and the economy,” said Brian King, president of Bank of America Maine. “Bank of America is proud to support organizations like Portland Adult Education that contribute to this growth, while helping Mainers achieve their full potential.”

This is the second year in a row that Bank of America has made such a generous donation to Portland Adult Education for its workforce programs. Bank of America also gifted $60,000  to the programs last year.

“Our students are incredibly motivated and hard working – often juggling families, jobs and other responsibilities while they pursue their education and training,” said PAE Assistant Director Elizabeth Love. “Bank of America’s support will expand opportunities for our students to advance their careers in Maine.”

Portland Adult Education (PAE) served over 1,500 students in its academic and workforce programs in the 2021-2022 school year. The students were racially and linguistically diverse with  72 nationalities represented, and they ranged in age from 17-84 years old.

PAE works closely with employers and community partners to design and implement workforce training opportunities for students to enter or advance in a range of professional fields. Current sector focuses include health care, education, financial services, early childhood, retail, transportation and clean energy. In addition to training, PAE and its New Mainer Resource Center provide individualized career advising and planning to support students’ professional goals.

“The Portland Public Schools is incredibly grateful to Bank of America for extending their support of these Portland Adult Education workforce programs for a second year,” said Superintendent Xavier Botana. “As I always say, every dollar we invest in Portland Adult Education is not just a dollar invested in PAE students. It is a dollar invested in their children, in their families, and in the whole Portland community. Bank of America clearly understands that, and we thank them for being such a great community partner.”