Bank of America has named the Des Moines-based education nonprofit By Degrees Foundation as a Neighborhood Champion. As part of the grand funding and leadership training program, By Degrees Foundation will receive $50,000 in grant support and an opportunity for engagement in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector. The Neighborhood Champions program supports the role strong nonprofit leaders play in advancing economic mobility and is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative, Neighborhood Builders. The mission of By Degrees Foundation is to help more students graduate from high school ready to pursue postsecondary education and fulfilling careers. “It has always been our belief that education is a community effort,” said Emily Westergaard, CEO of By Degrees Foundation. ”Partnerships, like this one with Bank of America, re-enforce how vital community members and companies are in supporting the success of our students.” To date, Bank of America has invested $4.2 million in 84 organizations within 42 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program. The invitation-only program was developed by Bank of America for nonprofits that are poised to take their work to the next level. Bank of America also awarded By Degrees Foundation an additional $30,000 in various grant support as a part of its national commitment to help support communities during COVID-19.