Boys & Girls Clubs of America Awarded $500,000 Opportunity Fund Grant from U.S. Bank Foundation

Funding will support Broadband Access and Virtual Work-Based Learning

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Boys & Girls Clubs of America today announced that it has been awarded a $500,000 multiyear U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund grant that will support Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Broadband Access and Virtual Work-Based Learning initiative.

“Access to reliable broadband and meaningful career exploration opportunities can open doors for young people, no matter where they live,” said Chad Hartman, National Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Engagement, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “With this support from the U.S. Bank Foundation, we’re helping all of our Club teens have access to the tools, connections and real-world experiences they need to build skills, explore career pathways and prepare for the future workforce.”

As part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s larger Future Ready strategy, this initiative bridges gaps in broadband infrastructure, access to devices, and workforce readiness training. By scaling access to Virtual Work-Based Learning platforms like Diplomas 2 Degrees (d2D) and other digital tools, Boys & Girls Clubs of America aims to prepare 6,000 youth for meaningful employment pathways — especially those from Native, rural, and military-connected communities.

“Digital access is key to driving growth and increasing job opportunities. By supporting organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we can help more people gain access to the economic possibilities that come from being part of a digitally connected community,” said Erica Opstad, head of community affairs at U.S. Bank and president of the U.S. Bank Foundation.

This initiative will address the following community needs:

• Research shows that more than 50% of military-connected youth experience geographic isolation, which can limit access to in-person workforce programs and career exploration opportunities.
• Research shows that more than 30% of rural and Native-serving Clubs lack adequate broadband or devices.
• Many teens lack mentors and exposure to postsecondary or career planning opportunities, especially in remote and low-income communities.

The U.S. Bank Foundation created the Opportunity Fund in 2023 to support organizations working to increase wealth-building opportunities for low- to moderate-income communities.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About U.S. Bancorp

U.S. Bancorp, with approximately 70,000 employees and $692 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of Fortune’s most admired superregional banks. Learn more at usbank.com/about.