Bank of America announced that in 2019 it awarded more than $310,000 in grants to 22 Iowa nonprofits. The organizations are dedicated to workforce development and education as well as to providing basic needs for lifelong stability, the bank said in a news release. “Strengthening Iowa through philanthropic funding is one example of how we invest in our community as part of our approach to responsible growth,” said Heidi Parkhurst, Iowa market president for Bank of America. In addition to receiving grants, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa and Urban Dreams participated in Bank of America’s first Student Leaders program in Iowa, and Oakridge Neighborhood Services was named the first Bank of America Neighborhood Champion in the market. The Student Leaders program, recognizing community-minded high school students, will continue and has recently opened for 2020 applications. More information on the Student Leaders program and how to apply is available here.