Pathward has awarded a $30,000 grant to EmBe, a family empowerment nonprofit focused on economic mobility and long-term success. In addition to the cash injection, Pathward’s employees will provide career coaching and professional readiness support to individuals seeking employment opportunities.
Pathward extends streak with EmBe as part of its CSR
Pathward, a US-based financial services company, has doubled down on workforce development efforts, renewing a partnership with EmBe. According to a press release, Pathward backed the South Dakota nonprofit with $30,000, with the funds earmarked for two of EmBe’s programs.
Per the official statement, the funds will support Making Cent$ Financial Literacy and Dress for Success Career Readiness, EmBe’s flagship financial empowerment programs.
The charitable investment in Making Cent$ Financial Literacy will see Pathward double its previous commitment. Going forward, the financial services company will support two program cohorts annually, increasing the number of persons who will receive foundational financial education to build long-term stability.
“Financial literacy is a critical component of our program, and we’re proud to support EmBe in delivering this important programming to the Sioux Falls community,” said Pathward Vice President, Financial Access Center of Excellence, Natonya Harbison.
Meanwhile, EmBe’s Dress for Success Career Readiness will also receive backing. The program is designed to provide personalized career coaching and professional styling for individuals entering the workforce.
Pathward has backed EmBe’s financial inclusion programs since 2016. A bird’s-eye view reveals that Pathward’s charitable contributions have surged past $1 million, with the company awarding grants to several nonprofits across South Dakota.
Expanding beyond dollars to include volunteer support
In an interview with Charity Journal, Pathward confirmed that the grant extends beyond financial support for EmBe. In addition to the $30,000, the company donated 20 laptops to support hybrid and virtual learning opportunities.
A company spokesperson told Charity Journal that the laptops are for on-site use for the Dress for Success Career Readiness program. The company added that it will measure the impact of its donation to understand how access to technology supports job-search readiness.
“EmBe and Pathward will track how the laptops are used during these sessions, including the number of participants supported and the types of career-readiness activities completed”
A key part of Pathward’s support is increased employee volunteer engagement. Per the announcement, Pathward employees will take part in quarterly volunteer events and take on mentorship roles in EmBe’s programs, particularly Dress for Success.
In addition to career coaching, Pathward volunteers will provide resume reviews, cover letter guidance, and mock interviews to participants. Meanwhile, Pathward employees will serve as trained facilitators for Making Cent$, leaning on a structured financial literacy curriculum developed by Pathward.
A look at the Pathward Employee Volunteer Program indicates that full-time employees can take up two days of volunteer time each year. Under its Dollars for Doers program, employees can earn up to $480 for a nonprofit of their choice, with the company matching employee contributions to eligible nonprofits.