Fleet Financial Group has contributed $15,000 to the recently announced Union-Schenectady (US) Initiative, the College's broad-based plan to revitalize a neighborhood to the west of the campus, President Roger H. Hull announced.
“Union College is proud to call Fleet a partner in this important initiative that will truly revitalize this community,” Hull said. “We recognize that to achieve success, partnerships with public and private sector organizations are critical. Fleet Financial Group has demonstrated that they, like Union, understand that institutions have a responsibility to contribute to the communities in which they operate.”
At the request of Fleet, the entire $15,000 donation will support Union's development of an Office of Neighborhood Outreach, a center for the exchange of ideas, suggestions and community-focused activity. Staffed by Union students, staff and volunteers from the community, the Office will feature a homework center and tutoring program for kids, sponsor a variety of neighborhood weekend programs, and will provide important health and wellness information.
“Fleet is pleased to support Union College and the new Neighborhood Outreach Center, ” stated Herm Ames, President of Fleet National Bank – Upstate New York Region. “We recognize the importance of making resources accessible to all our communities, especially those in need. Through their focus on homework assistance and mentoring for neighborhood children, and skills development programs for their parents, the Neighborhood Outreach Center will be just that – a focal point in the community that brings Union College students and faculty together with their neighbors, to everyone's benefit. It is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the neighborhood and Fleet is proud to be a part of it.”
The US Initiative, announced last October, includes a number of incentives for both homeowners and College employees. These include, in addition to the Office of Community Outreach, up to $1 million annually in tuition scholarships for children of eligible homeowners, special mortgage programs, and the establishment of a neighborhood association.
Additionally, Union has acquired more than 30 homes in the US Initiative area, which will be renovated and used for student and faculty residences. Union's Security Office, currently housed on campus, will be relocated to an address yet to be identified in the neighborhood. The US Initiative area is defined by Seward Place, Union Street, and Nott Street.