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Citizens is doubling down on its commitment to workforce development.

The Providence, R.I.-headquartered financial institution announced this week a new $20 million investment over the next three years to support workforce development programs and long-term economic growth.

This latest commitment, spanning 2026-2028, builds on a $10 million effort in 2024-2025. Citizens says that prior initiative exceeded funding expectations in expanding access to upskilling, reskilling and career pathways.

As part of the $20 million commitment, Citizens will partner with national organizations, such as Year Up United and Education Design Lab (EDL), as well as hundreds of local nonprofits. The collaborators will work to expand access to upskilling programs, connect individuals to in-demand career pathways, and strengthen economic opportunity in communities across the country.

Expansive NJ footprint

Last year, NJBIZ profiled Citizens. The bank has more than 100 locations in the Garden State, with an expanding footprint both here and regionally.

Citizens Chairman and CEO Bruce Van Saun said workforce development is central to how Citizens supports its customers, colleagues and communities.

“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,” said Van Saun.

Key things to know:

• Funding will continue to support nonprofits working to enhance educational and career opportunities
• The previous commitment included $1.6 million to expand Citizens’ Community College Accelerator program with EDL to 10 schools across New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston and Rhode Island

Looking to the future

To stress the importance of these efforts and investments, Citizens points to a 2025 Junior Achievement Teen Workforce Survey from the Junior Achievement nonprofit and the financial institution. The poll found that:

• While 94% of teens say they are optimistic about their future careers, 57% believe AI has negatively impacted their career outlook
• Nearly 9-in-10 report feeling pressure to make the right career choices
• Most believe adaptability, continuous learning and real-world experience will be essential for success

Susan LaMonica, chief human resources officer at Citizens, said, “Teens know the future of work will require adaptability and continuous learning.”

She added, “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.”