Albuquerque Public Schools
Bank of Albuquerque Contributes $10,000 to Fund Innovative Programs
The grant to the APS Education Foundation will have an immediate impact, funding critical programs for students and staff in Albuquerque Public Schools
On July 14th, the APS Education Foundation was notified they would again receive an investment of $10,000 to support their grant programs during the 2022-2023 school year. By the end of the month, the check was ready. Bank of Albuquerque employees came out to congratulate Foundation staff and flooded their lobby with laughter and excitement. Shannon Barnhill, Executive Director of the APS Education Foundation, thanked everyone at Bank of Albuquerque for continuing to support the innovative work of our city’s educators, noting that the money would be put to work starting this fall. She stated, “Time and time again, Bank of Albuquerque has been there making an impact in APS! We are beyond grateful for the support they continually provide our students and educators. Their investment not only helps these individuals but also benefits our community at large.” Additionally, Bank of Albuquerque also sponsors the Foundation’s fundraising events and will return to the Superintendent’s Cup on September 1st at Sandia Golf Club.
Bank of Albuquerque employees serve as community grant readers for the Foundation, reading applications from across the district and working with other community leaders to make funding decisions. The applications are redacted, so they do not know the schools or departments that are applying. They base their decisions solely on the quality of the proposal, gauging whether or not it has the potential to be a large return on investment.
Once funding decisions are finalized for the school year, Bank of Albuquerque chooses the grantees that directly benefit from their contribution. Last year, the Bank of Albuquerque grantees were:
- Rachel Woods of Albuquerque High School for Social, Emotional, Mental and Physical Health Book Clubs
- Monica Mancillas of Del Norte High School for Mexican-American Studies: We’re Important, Too
- Charlotte Brummell of Hoover Middle School for Native American Club
- Gina Cordova of Highland High School for New Mexico Diversity Conference for Youth 2022
Denise L’Esperance, Vice President and Senior Regional Community Relations Manager for Bank of Albuquerque stated, “Bank of Albuquerque is proud to be a sponsor of the 2022-2023 APS Education Foundation grant program and we are looking forward to meeting the beneficiaries of our grants this year. We loving giving back and investing in the students in our community. Thank you APS Education Foundation for all you do to support our students and help ensure their long term success.”