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A new path to high-paying careers in tech

In a city addressing unequal access to good jobs, the nonprofit Road to Hire provides a pathway to success for Charlotte’s young people

Over the past decade, Charlotte, North Carolina, has experienced an influx of new business development, declining unemployment and rising consumer and small business confidencefootnote1, and the long-term outlook for the city and surrounding areas is bright. And yet, the benefits of a thriving economy are not distributed equally. A study by Harvard researchers ranked Charlotte 97 among the 100 largest U.S. cities for economic mobility and found that children growing up in low-income households there have little chance at escaping poverty.footnote2

To combat this, the nonprofit Road to Hire has been working since 2013 to provide pathways for professional development and career advancement for Charlotte’s young adults. At six area high schools that serve mostly low-income students, seniors can enroll in a yearlong Road to Hire course that offers a tangible payoff. Top students earn four-year college scholarships or are placed in six- or 12-month, paid apprenticeships in cybersecurity, business analytics, coding or nursing, where they build a range of technical and professional skills to prepare for permanent jobs in high-earning, stable fields.

Bank of America provides ongoing support for Road to Hire and helps fund wages for the apprentices. The bank is also one of several Charlotte-area hiring partners employing graduates of Road to Hire programs. In 2022, 766 students participated in the high school course, with 212 seniors earning scholarships through the R2H College program. To date, Road to Hire has launched more than 300 young people into tech careers through its apprenticeships.

The support for Road to Hire is an example of Bank of America’s commitment to help advance equality and economic opportunity in local neighborhoods around the country. From entrepreneur funding and expanding home ownership to professional skills training and healthcare access, Bank of America continues to partner with innovative leaders to help communities implement solutions to society’s biggest challenges.

A first day through Malik's lens

Malik Robison is a 2017 graduate of Road to Hire. He entered the program employed as a receptionist, struggling to help his mother make ends meet, and graduated to become a successful front-end developer at Red Ventures, a global media company. But he had always dreamed of being a professional photographer.

In September 2021, that dream became a reality on the set of a Bank of America production. Using the skills and confidence he gained from Road to Hire, Malik brought his authentic vision to our "First Days" production. Watch the video to hear more about Malik's life and witness his reaction to his first big gig.

We’re collaborating with partners across the country who support diverse entrepreneurs, build job skills and create opportunities to help people succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s economy. See what we’re doing in your community.

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