Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest is pleased to announce that Austin’s Academy of Scholastic Achievement (ASA), 4651 W. Madison St., is the recipient of a champion grant, aimed to assist organizations in providing community outreach programs for low- and moderate-income individuals.
The $2,000 grant was recently presented to Gladys Simpson, ASA’s founder and chief administrator, by Bernard D. Headley II, community lending specialist for Community Bank.
ASA is a nonprofit, public alternative high school committed to providing quality education to high school dropouts and students who are disconnected from traditional public schools. With the grant, ASA will provide up to 50 students and their families with job readiness training via online courses.
ASA will also conduct three workshops focused on resume writing, effective interviewing and financial literacy. The group’s goal is to ensure that students, parents and families are prepared to launch effective job searches, and that they have the skills, knowledge and resources to manage their money, avoid debt, establish positive credit and build asset wealth.
Through the champion grant program, Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest encourages growth and support in economically-challenged communities. Champion Grants will be awarded to qualifying organizations throughout the year. The application is available on the bank’s Web site.