$1 Million Gift from KeyBank Foundation Supports Workforce Development at Albany Medical Center

Funds will be used to develop the LEAP program-Leading Employees to Advancement and em(P)owerment

ALBANY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 23, 2025 / A $1 million gift from KeyBank Foundation will support recruitment, retention, and workforce development initiatives at Albany Medical Center. Funds will be used to develop the LEAP program-Leading Employees to Advancement and em(P)owerment.

Central aspects of the program include:

• Career mapping and coaching: A career coach will assist eligible employees in entry and mid-level positions to identify professional ambitions and opportunities for training and development of skills leading to career growth.

• Financial support for nurses: Funds will help support scholarships provided to employees who wish to pursue a nursing degree through Albany Med's Grow Our Own program.

• Removing barriers for entry-level employees: Assistance will be provided to employees who experience financial or language barriers to professional and personal development and who wish to pursue their GED diploma or English as a second language.

"KeyBank is celebrating our bicentennial, and our relationship with Albany Medical Center dates back nearly as far," said Fran O'Rourke, Capital Region President, KeyBank. "To support this program, which builds workforce by creating opportunities for employees to have access to the resources needed to advance their careers, is a great way to honor our heritage, impact lives, and continue to make a difference in the community where we were founded."

"KeyBank Foundation is committed to supporting organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures. Albany Medical Center's LEAP program does just this. It is a transformative workforce development program that changes lives and aligns perfectly with our philanthropic priorities of neighbors, education, and workforce," said Eric Fiala, CEO, KeyBank Foundation.

As the largest private employer in the region, the Albany Med Health System is a reflection of the communities it serves. Current employees represent all races and genders; have come to Albany from up to 80 different countries; and span five generations. Albany Medical Center's 10,000 employees hold more than 980 different clinical and nonclinical roles that are accessible to all educational and ability levels.