FAIRFIELD—Fairfield University has been awarded a $1 million grant from long-time partner Bank of America to support its new Fairfield Bellarmine program. The program offers two-year associate’s degrees to students from the Greater Bridgeport region to support their pursuit of a bachelors degree, or as a pathway to enter the workforce. The investment is Bank of America’s largest grant to date in Southern Connecticut.
“We are most thankful for Bank of America’s continued investment in Fairfield University,” said President Mark R. Nemec, PhD. “Over the years, our University programming—from guest speaker series, to career advancement, and engaging community events—has been greatly enhanced by the generosity and support of Bank of America. Building on the momentum of our longstanding partnership, we will continue to work together with optimism and hope to positively impact our shared community through education and workforce development.”
Fairfield Bellarmine’s inaugural class and families were recently welcomed for Orientation Weekend held in July at the North Benson Road campus in Fairfield, Conn., where students also attended month-long summer courses in history and the arts. Renovations to the new Bellarmine Campus, located on Boston Ave. in Bridgeport, Conn., will be completed in time for fall classes to begin there on Sept. 5, when the first cohort of up to 100 students will be welcomed for the 2023-24 academic year.
Bank of America has been committed to working with community partners across Southern Connecticut for many years, helping to drive economic opportunity and upward mobility. Partnering with Fairfield Bellarmine to advance economic and social progress through education, job skills readiness and workforce development is one of the key ways in which Bank of America supports long-term, sustainable growth in local communities.
“As lead philanthropic corporate partner, we are continuing our decades-long partnership with Fairfield University to help Fairfield Bellarmine and its students address barriers to employment through career training and workforce pathways,” said Bill Tommins, President, Bank of America Southern Connecticut. “Cross-sector partnerships are critical to building a thriving community, and we look forward to seeing the impact that Fairfield Bellarmine will make here in Southern Connecticut’s workforce and economy.”
Bank of America will also offer career exploration events as well as mentorship and paid employment opportunities for students of Fairfield Bellarmine who are interested in pursuing career pathways from retail banking to wealth management.
Fairfield University and Bank of America’s collaborative partnership spans six decades and has included student mentorship and professional development opportunities, support of key programs and initiatives in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, and programming at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, such as the Open VISIONS Forum “Women and Leadership” series.
Bank of America also serves as the primary operating bank of Fairfield University with ATM services available throughout campus. Over 300 members of the Fairfield University community are currently employed by Bank of America or one of its subsidiaries.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
