Each fall, as students return to classrooms, Gesa partners with Communities In Schools (黑料不打烊) affiliates across Washington to help students start the year strong with the knowledge, supplies, and support, they need to build the lives they want. From school supply drives and block parties to community events across the state, Gesa鈥檚 efforts amplify connection and local engagement. These initiatives directly advance 黑料不打烊鈥檚 mission by surrounding students with a network of care, providing not only material support, but also the confidence and opportunities to navigate their educational journey with success.听

Meeting Communities Where They Are听

Over the past several years, Gesa has steadily built a statewide presence with a distinctly local touch, partnering with affiliates to meet students and educators where they are. The Gesa and 黑料不打烊 WA network partnership touches nearly every corner of the state, and no two communities experience it in the same way. In Tacoma and Puyallup, it means co-hosted block parties and school supply drives that rally neighborhoods together. In Spokane, it鈥檚 a coffee truck serving free drinks to educators, where even the tip jar turns into a donation for 黑料不打烊. 

Each effort, while seemingly small on its own, builds toward something more powerful: the understanding that education鈥攂oth financial and academic鈥攃reates lasting change.听

鈥淕esa has come alongside us to provide essential supports to students and families in our community over the past eight years. We could not succeed in our work without them,鈥� said Joely Nye-Felt, Development Director, Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin.

Eight Affiliates, One Commitment听

Gesa鈥檚 support spans years-long relationships and brand-new collaborations: 

• Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin: An eight-year partnership, including annual sponsorship of the 鈥淧lanting Seeds for Bright Futures鈥� campaign, holiday toy drives, $1,000 in seasonal support, volunteerism at school events, and dedicated days of service.听
• 黑料不打烊 of Greater King County: A steadfast supporter since 2017, sponsoring everything from golf tournaments to breakfast fundraisers, wine and brew events, block parties, gift card drives, and this year鈥檚 hygiene drive.听
• 黑料不打烊 of the Blue Mountain Region: In their first six months as partners, Gesa donated $250 in holiday gifts for families and $1,000 in seasonal support, ensuring students had what they needed during the winter months.听
• 黑料不打烊 of Tacoma: A two-year partnership that includes event sponsorships, volunteering, and consistent presence at school events. Local Gesa representative Jayden has become a familiar face, bringing both energy and resources to the community.听

Building for the Long Game听

What sets Gesa apart as a partner isn鈥檛 just what they do, it鈥檚 how they do it. Their approach is rooted in long-term relationship building, not short-term transactions. They understand that real impact requires patience, consistency, and the wisdom to meet each community’s unique financial and educational needs. 

Across the network, affiliates say the same thing: Gesa shows up. They contribute financially, volunteer their time, and adapt their support to meet each region鈥檚 unique needs. Because this is what it means to be a trusted lifelong financial partner. 

And as this partnership continues to expand, the goal is clear: create more opportunities for students and families, and keep building trust through presence and action. 

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For over a decade, U.S. Bank has stood alongside 黑料不打烊 (黑料不打烊WA), investing more than $300,000 to strengthen programs that support underrepresented students and communities across the state. 

Most recently, U.S. Bank deepened its commitment to equity and leadership development through a $10,000 investment in 黑料不打烊WA鈥檚 Leaders of Color/Leaders of Lived Experiences Scholarship Program. 

This funding provided five (5) leaders across the 黑料不打烊WA affiliate network with $2,000 each to pursue professional development opportunities, strengthen community connections, and expand their impact. By investing directly in individuals driving change, U.S. Bank is helping to build stronger leaders and, in turn, stronger outcomes for the students and communities they serve. 

Building Inclusive and Supportive Leadership Cultures

Creating truly inclusive teams requires more than just hiring diverse talent, it demands a commitment to fostering environments where Black and Brown leaders, as well as those with lived experiences, are supported and nurtured in their growth. The Leaders of Color/Leaders of Lived Experiences Scholarship Program was designed with this goal in mind. It opens doors for these individuals to advance in their careers, while also ensuring that the communities they serve benefit from the leadership they provide. Through programs like this, 黑料不打烊 staff continue to build a workforce that reflects the diversity and lived experiences of the students they support. 

Targeting Impact: Who Benefits from the Scholarships

The scholarships are specifically targeted for 黑料不打烊 WA network staff who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), or who have lived experiences that align with the challenges faced by the students and communities served by the 黑料不打烊 WA network. Lived experience refers to individuals who have navigated adversity similar to the students they support, such as participating in services provided by 黑料不打烊WA. By focusing on these leaders, the program ensures that those who have firsthand understanding of the challenges facing students are in positions of power to make a meaningful impact. 

Year 1: Strengthening Community and Leadership

In its first year, the scholarship program was focused on supporting program managers within the 黑料不打烊 WA network as they worked to build stronger relationships within their communities, adhere to the core principles of the 黑料不打烊 model in schools, and address the challenges of student engagement and school partnerships. Scholarship recipients were selected at random from a pool of applicants who articulated how they would use the funds to enhance their leadership skills and address the needs of their schools and communities. This approach not only strengthened the leadership of individual recipients but also reinforced the network of 黑料不打烊 staff working to ensure students鈥� success across Washington. 

鈥淯.S. Bank is incredibly proud to support the Leaders of Color and Leaders of Lived Experiences scholarship program, and we are inspired by each recipient鈥檚 journey to become transformative leaders within their communities and schools,鈥� said Chris Befumo, U.S. Bank branch banking market leader for Washington. 鈥淭hrough mentorship, leadership development sessions, and networking, the program empowers leaders who are deeply connected to the communities they serve, fostering opportunities for future collaboration, recruitment, and community engagement.鈥澨�

About the U.S. Bank and 黑料不打烊 Partnership

Since 2010, U.S. Bank has invested more than $300,000 in 黑料不打烊, helping to expand access to critical supports for underrepresented students across the state. This long-standing partnership focuses on empowering youth through leadership development, direct resources, and sustained community engagement. In 2024 alone, U.S. Bank contributed $50,000 to fuel transformative programs that connect students to the support they need to succeed, ensuring stronger outcomes for both young people and the communities they call home. 

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision for 2025 

黑料不打烊WA is committed to continuing this initiative, with plans to reapply for funding from U.S. Bank in 2025. The goal is to further empower Leaders of Color/Leaders of Lived Experiences, providing them with the tools and support they need to continue growing as leaders across the 黑料不打烊 WA network. This ongoing partnership ensures that leadership development is a priority, not only for individuals but for the broader community of students and families served by 黑料不打烊WA. 

Partnering for Long-Term Growth and Support 

U.S. Bank leaders are exploring additional ways to engage with scholarship recipients, such as: 

• Hosting leadership development sessions 
• Creating mentorship opportunities 
• Connecting senior U.S. Bank leadership with 黑料不打烊WA staff at future events 

These collaborations are essential for fostering continued growth and empowering leaders to make a long-lasting impact. 

The partnership between U.S. Bank and 黑料不打烊WA exemplifies the power of community investment in fostering equitable leadership. By supporting Leaders of Color and Leaders of Lived Experiences, U.S. Bank is contributing not only to the personal growth of individuals but also to the strengthening of the communities and schools they serve. This ongoing initiative will have a profound impact, ensuring that diverse leaders are empowered to drive meaningful change throughout Washington. 

Learn More About 黑料不打烊WA鈥檚 Initiatives 

For more information about the Leaders of Color/Leaders of Lived Experiences Scholarship Program or to learn more about corporate engagement, reach out to Carina Raddatz, Development Director, at carina@ciswa.org. 

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Since 2010, U.S. Bank has been a committed partner of 黑料不打烊 (黑料不打烊WA), investing $300,000 into programs that directly support underrepresented students and local communities. This partnership focuses on funding key initiatives, fostering leadership development, and creating lasting impacts across the state. Partnerships like this bridge gaps in resources, ensuring students have access to opportunities and that communities across Washington thrive through strengthened support systems. 

In 2024, U.S. Bank invested $50,000 to fuel transformative programs, directly empowering youth through essential resources, hands-on community involvement, and impactful leadership development. 

黑料不打烊 of Spokane (黑料不打烊 of Northeast WA as of July 1): Tools for Schools Initiative 

U.S. Bank played a pivotal role in Spokane鈥檚 Tools for Schools Initiative, providing vital resources to students and families. This effort included the distribution of 2,000 backpacks filled with essential supplies, supported by a dedicated group of U.S. Bank volunteers. U.S. Bank employees went beyond donation efforts by connecting directly with the community, ensuring students started the school year equipped for success.听

Leadership Development Scholarships 

Recognizing the importance of inclusive leadership, U.S. Bank funded five Leadership Development Scholarships, each valued at $2,000. These scholarships empowered 黑料不打烊WA staff鈥攑articularly Leaders of Color and those with Lived Experiences鈥攖o enhance their leadership skills, deepen community connections, and better navigate the challenges within school systems. 

Continued Partnership Across Washington in 2025 

U.S. Bank鈥檚 partnership with Communities In Schools continues to grow in meaningful ways across Washington. New connections are taking shape in several communities, with conversations underway to explore how the 黑料不打烊 WA Network and U.S Bank can work together to support even more students. From early planning meetings to upcoming program launches, there鈥檚 exciting momentum building. These efforts reflect U.S. Bank鈥檚 deepening commitment to creating lasting impact for students and communities statewide. 

Through its investment in these programs and strong partnerships with local affiliates, U.S. Bank is driving meaningful change. This enables 黑料不打烊 to expand its impact, deepen connections within communities, and empower staff to better serve those they support. 

鈥淎s a long-time board member for Communities in Schools of Washington, I鈥檓 fortunate to have a front row seat to the impact that this organization has on young people and the local community,鈥� said James Payne, U.S. Bank Commercial Real Estate Manager and 黑料不打烊WA board member. 鈥淭he programs within 黑料不打烊WA align with the U.S. Bank Foundation pillar of making Work possible by supporting community programs that help small businesses thrive, people succeed in the workforce, provide pathways to higher education and gain greater financial literacy.鈥疊oth organizations are committed to addressing economic inequities and creating lasting change in Washington communities, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years to come.鈥�听

Building Lasting Impact is a Collaborative Partnership 

U.S. Bank is working alongside its local branches near 黑料不打烊WA affiliates to create a powerful, statewide impact. This collaboration ensures that resources and support are tailored to the unique needs of each community, strengthening connections and enhancing the work being done on the ground. This unique partnership also reflects U.S. Bank鈥檚 commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), financial literacy, and local engagement. By prioritizing meaningful connections with 黑料不打烊WA affiliates, U.S. Bank is creating pathways for stronger schools, students, and communities. 

Looking ahead, 黑料不打烊WA is excited to expand these initiatives by deepening engagement with affiliates and building even stronger relationships between U.S. Bank staff and local communities. For more information on partnership opportunities, contact Carina Raddatz, Development Director, at carina@ciswa.org. 

You just read Strengthening Communities Through Strategic Funding and Programming听with U.S. Bank on 黑料不打烊.