US Bank’s Support of The Bridge of Southern New Mexico Helps Advance Ground-Breaking Workforce Development Efforts

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LAS CRUCES, NM – US Bank has awarded The Bridge of Southern New Mexico a $7,500 grant to support The Bridge in its work on a first-of-its-kind regional plan for workforce talent development that could lead to transformation of the region’s economy.

The investment in “Building Pathways for a Skilled and Ready Workforce” supports the development of a comprehensive workforce development plan for the region that maximizes pathways for education aligned to eight economic development targets which offer higher-skilled, higher paying salaries.

Components of the plan provide on-ramps into industries for high school students through Career and Technical Education pathways that support high school completion alongside post-secondary credentials. The funds also develop approaches for engaging out-of-school youth and helping them earn valuable career certifications that can lift them out over poverty and liberate them from the need for public assistance.

“Dona Ana County has the potential to achieve better economic outcomes, and The Bridge’s work can provide a blueprint for success,” said Karen Bailey, vice president with US Bank. “The Bridge has already built strong partnerships that helped spark increased graduation rates in our community. The logical progression to workforce talent development is one of the most significant needs to be addressed in our community, and we are happy to support them in this effort.”

US Bank has been a strong funding partner in The Bridge’s ongoing work, investing nearly $35,000 to date.

“The Bridge has been a powerful investment for all of our funding partners, and for those of us who contribute our time and leadership of this amazing organization,” said Wanda Mattiace, board chair of The Bridge. “Thanks to US Bank and others, we’ve generated almost $500 in return on every $1 invested in The Bridge to date.”

To learn more about The Bridge and its work, please visit thebridgeofsnm.org, and for a full list of financial supporters, click on the “How You Can Help” tab.

Photo: US Bank’s leadership (Karen Bailey and Craig Buchanan, front row – left) joined The Bridge’s board for a presentation of the $7,500 grant. Bridge Board members included (from left) Dr. Michael Morehead, J.B. Pruett, Dr. Renay Scott, Rico Gonzales, Wanda Mattiace, Debbi Moore, Kiel Hoffman and Tracey Bryan.