City National Bank continues its commitment to community and education, recently announcing that it will support a new program hosted by the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science in Miami that brings science education to needy children.
The bank is supplementing the funding provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to bring more than 1,000 students — and their parents or caregivers — enrolled in Head Start programs throughout South Florida to the museum.
The funding supports the museum’s Enhanced Educational Access Program, which provides science education access to underserved children through hands-on experiences. The program also includes parents and caregivers to give them the tools and education they need to make better decisions for their children’s educational future.
“What happens tomorrow depends on the education we provide our children today, and we believe in supporting innovative programs that help those who need it most,” said Jorge Gonzalez, president and CEO of City National Bank. “This initiative from the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will provide an ongoing educational engagement for more than 1,000 young students and their families in our community.”
Children from Homestead, Little Haiti/Wynwood and Opa-locka enrolled in Head Start programs will be part of this initiative. The Head Start program was founded in 1965 to provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition and parent involvement to low income children and their families. The Enhanced Educational Access Program targets areas where the population is underserved, has a need for science education programs and are geographically distant from the museum.
“Research has shown that the hands-on, in-person element of a curriculum has the greatest impact on a student’s education,” said Gillian Thomas, president and CEO of the museum. “We are so glad to partner with CNB to fund this critical aspect. Our goal is to reduce gaps in school readiness and expand families’ social networks, workplace skills and understanding of the importance of out-of-schooltime learning to their children’s overall social and cognitive development. The longterm impact we intend to achieve is educational equity with regard to science learning opportunities for children and families living in poverty in Miami-Dade County.”
The program will serve children from 46 different Head Start locations.
“There are few things as rewarding as providing a positive educational experience at an early age,” Gonzalez added. “We focus our community engagement dollars on educational opportunity, believing that this is the best investment and provides a greater and more sustainable positive impact in the communities we serve.”
City National Bank has developed a wellearned reputation for its commitment to community. The bank supports such well known organizations as United Way, Beaux Arts and the Lowe Art Museum, the FIU Foundation and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.
