Over the past two years, in a partnership with the African Leadership Group, banking giant JPMorganChase has donated supply-filled backpacks to more than 400 students in Denver and Aurora.
Anthony Cerrone, a community manager with the bank, said he first learned of ALG in the organization’s early days, when Papa Dia, ALG’s founder and executive director, was working full-time in the banking industry and running ALG during his off-hours.
Students in grades K-12 receive the backpacks. They are filled with what Cerrone called “starter school supplies,” including glue, pencils, paper and other supplies.
JPMorganChase runs similar programs in more than 150 regions across the country for students who struggle to afford the supplies then need to get the school year off to a strong start.
Why did the bank choose ALG as a partner? “I am particularly impressed with the comprehensive resources they provide the community,” Cerrone said. “Working with ALG has been both fulfilling and inspiring.”
