Eckerd Connects is pleased to announce a $100,000 grant from Truist Foundation to expand education and career pathways for young adults across Georgia. The investment supports a shared commitment to closing both the skills gap and the opportunity gap for youth preparing to enter Georgia’s most in-demand industries.

The funding will enhance Eckerd Connects’ Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Out-of-School Youth programs, which serve young adults ages 16–24 who face barriers to employment. Through these programs, participants gain access to training, high school equivalency preparation, mentoring, work experience, and job placement assistance designed to support long-term economic mobility.

More than one in four young adults in Georgia – nearly 30% of 15–24 year-olds – currently face unemployment. By working together, Truist Foundation and Eckerd Connects are creating pathways to good-paying, sustainable careers. Our collaboration aligns with the state’s strategy under WIOA to increase employment, retention, earnings and credential attainment by connecting education, training, and real jobs. Eckerd is targeting high-demand fields like Healthcare, IT, Retail & Customer Service, and Hospitality so youth have access not just to jobs—but to careers.

This grant will support youth across four Georgia regions, including Northwest, Southwest, River Valley, and Coastal.

“Truist Foundation’s investment strengthens our ability to deliver what WIOA promises—career pathways that help young people build lasting economic security,” said Michael D. Smith, President & CEO of Eckerd Connects. “Together, we are helping Georgia’s youth gain the skills and confidence they need to fill critical workforce needs and build strong futures for themselves and their communities.”

“Truist Foundation is proud to support Eckerd Connects in expanding opportunities for Georgia’s youth,” said Truist Regional President Katie Saez. “This partnership reflects our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. By investing in career pathways and economic mobility, we’re helping young people gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.”