Workforce development programs for Monterey County’s disadvantaged youth will scale, helping more people chart a path toward economic opportunity, thanks to a multi-year grant from Bank of America. Salinas-based Rancho Cielo has been named the 2022 Bank of America Neighborhood Champion for its work in Monterey County, removing barriers to economic opportunity.
As part of the program, Rancho Cielo will receive $50,000 in grant support over two years, along with leadership training from experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability, and storytelling.
Salinas-based Rancho Cielo serves 150 marginalized, primarily Hispanic-Latino youth annually from low-income households throughout Monterey County who experience difficulties in high school due to family barriers, pregnancy, homelessness, and other challenges. Rancho Cielo provides counseling, life skills development, diploma education, and vocational training in Monterey County’s three top industries: agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
“Rancho Cielo is about hope and opportunity. Our goal is to end the cycle of poverty and help facilitate a better path for the youth in Monterey County who have faced many barriers to success. Thanks to the Neighborhood Champions Award, we will be able to sustain overall operational costs of our vocational programs, provide students with transportation and meals, and offer counseling on campus through a full-time therapist,” said Chris Devers, Rancho Cielo, CEO.
Communities, working closely with individuals and families to understand the obstacles many are experiencing and developing programs to help alleviate these barriers,” said Jennifer Dacquisto, president of Bank of America Monterey Bay. It’s important that we direct not only capital but also training to help position these nonprofits and their leadership team for long-term success and make a positive impact.”
Since 2019, four nonprofits in Monterey have been selected as Neighborhood Champions. The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and a committee of community leaders and past Neighborhood Champion honorees selects organizations.
