Will Expand STEM Education and Workforce Development Opportunities for Underserved Youth
Vermont Business Magazine KeyBank Foundation announced a $100,000 investment, distributed over two years, to support the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington’s new STEM-focused initiative, “Catalyzing Change: Growing Underserved Talent Through STEM.” The program will expand academic enrichment opportunities and connect young people from historically underserved backgrounds with STEM skills, experiences and career pathways aligned with Vermont’s evolving workforce needs.
The investment will support the addition of a full-time STEM Coordinator and the expansion of year-round programming through the Club’s Early Promise academic improvement program. The initiative is designed to engage youth from kindergarten through twelfth grade with hands-on learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Founded in 1942, the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington serves as a cornerstone of youth development in Burlington, serving more than 100 young people each day, many of whom come from families facing food insecurity, housing instability, unemployment, substance use challenges or other significant barriers to educational and economic opportunity.
“This investment from KeyBank Foundation will help create transformative opportunities for young people who too often lack access to STEM learning and career exploration experiences,” said Tanya Benosky, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Burlington. “By expanding our Early Promise program with dedicated STEM programming, we can help youth build the skills, confidence and connections they need to pursue higher education, skilled trades and high-demand careers that offer long-term economic stability.”
The initiative aims to reach approximately 150 Club members annually through after-school programs, school vacation camps and summer programming. Through partnerships with employers and industry leaders, participants will gain exposure to real-world STEM careers and opportunities to develop practical, job-ready skills.
“KeyBank Foundation is committed to supporting educational pathways that create opportunity and strengthen local communities,” said Eric Fiala, CEO, KeyBank Foundation. “The Boys & Girls Club of Burlington has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping young people achieve their full potential. Through this STEM initiative, more youth will have access to learning experiences that prepare them for the careers of tomorrow while helping build a stronger workforce for Vermont.”
This investment builds upon KeyBank Foundation’s long history of partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington. Since 2001, KeyBank Foundation and KeyBank have provided more than $247,000 in grants, sponsorships and community investments supporting youth development, academic achievement and educational opportunity through the Club’s programs.
“STEM education creates pathways to economic mobility, career success and lifelong learning,” said Tony DiSotto, Maine & Vermont Market President, KeyBank. “The Boys & Girls Club of Burlington has a proven track record of helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their goals. Through this investment, we’re helping more students gain access to hands-on learning experiences, industry exposure and the skills needed to succeed in some of Vermont’s fastest-growing fields.”
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington, visit https://www.bandgclub.org/.
About Boys & Girls Club of Burlington
Founded in 1942, the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington inspires and enables community youth, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, healthy, responsible, and caring citizens. Serving as the largest youth-serving organization in Chittenden County, the Club provides safe spaces, academic support, meals, mentoring, and enrichment opportunities for hundreds of young people and families each year. Through its Early Promise program and other initiatives, the Club helps youth build pathways to educational success, career readiness, and lifelong achievement.
About KeyBank
KeyCorp’s roots trace back more than 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $191 billion at June 30, 2026.
Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 950 branches and approximately 1,100 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.
About KeyBank Foundation
KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation that supports organizations and initiatives aimed at improving financial wellness, education, and community development. Through strategic philanthropy, KeyBank Foundation works to create thriving communities and drive meaningful, lasting change.
BURLINGTON, Vt., August 26, 2026 — KeyBank Foundation
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
Vermont Business Magazine
