The Citizens Bank Foundation awarded Metropolitan Career Center $200,000 over the next three years:

Citizen’s “Economic Empowerment Initiative” aims to increase the capacity of five area nonprofits, including MCC, and will help thousands of Philadelphia residents receive training, placement or start or expand existing businesses, Citizens reported. MCC will use the funding to provide work readiness training, which focuses on professional development, computer literacy and financial literacy.

Capmark Foundation Gives Grant to STRIVE Program:

The Campmark Foundation, formally GMAC Commercial Holdings, donated $20,000 to the STRIVE program. GMAC awarded a first-time grant to STRIVE last year.

Wachovia's Giving Reaches $100,000:

Wachovia generously donated $30,000 to MCC. This recent donation of $30,000 brings its total contribution level up to $100,000 since 2003.

Over the years Wachovia has been very supportive in helping MCC fulfill its mission. As explained by Regional Vice President Vik Dewan,"Wachovia is proud to partner with Metropolitan Career Center to prepare students for employment and economic independence, four years running. We are dedicated to creating a well-prepared and sustainable workforce, and we view these grants as investments in the future."

Of that donation $25,000 went to supporting MCC's STRIVE program and $5,000 went to funding MCC's Spring Event. The STRIVE program prepares people who are entering or re-entering the workforce with the job skills they need. The Spring Event is a fundraising event in April that will honor two dedicated volunteers: Ernesta D. Ballard and James Bodine.

MCC greatly appreciates Wachovia's kind donations. “Wachovia’s continued support, in addition to support from other charitable corporations and foundations, gives students a strong foothold on today’s job market, and starts them down the path to economic success,” said Executive Director Karen Burgess. “We are so grateful for Wachovia’s history of giving.”

Philadelphia Corporations and Foundations Support STRIVE Program

MCC's contributors aim to continue its work development program.

As a result of the support from these corporations in addition to other charitable corporations, foundations, and individuals, MCC’s faculty and staff will work with more than 200 students in the 2004/05 year. This will help an average of 60 percent of STRIVE graduates to gain employment and start on the path to economic success.

Supporters of the STRIVE Program

Falconhead Foundation
$20,000

Independence Foundation
$15,000

PNC Advisors
$10,000

Lomax Family Foundation
$5,500

Independence Blue Cross
$5,000

Leo Model Foundation
$5,000

PECO Energy Company
$2,500

Louis N. Cassett Foundation
$2,000

Additional 2005/2006 Contributors

The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
$110,000

Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition
$23,000

The Philadelphia Foundation
$12,500

James H. Bromley Foundation
$12,000

Lincoln Financial Group
$10,000

ACE INA Foundation
$10,000

Joseph Kennard Skilling Foundation
$5,000

The Barra Foundation
$2,500

The Nelson Foundatiob
$2,500

The Quaker Chemical Foundation
$2,500

McAlaine Family Foundation
$1,250

Otto Company
$1,000

Radian Group, Inc.
$1,000

Rothman Family Foundation
$1,000

The McCausland Foundation
$1,000

Zients Family Foundation
$1,000