work-study program receives $200,000 donation

November 11th, 2010

KeyBank has donated $200,000 to Albany Medical Center (AMC) to help employees obtain their nursing degrees.

The donation will support the Grow Our Own (GOO) work-study program, which is designed to help AMC employees become registered nurses. Since its inception in 2002, GOO has addressed the shortage of these professionals in the region.

GOO participants are full-time employees, and receive tuition reimbursement as well as paid time off to study and attend classes. In return, they agree to work at AMC for up to four years following their graduation.

Both AMC, the region’s largest private employer, and KeyBank understand the importance of investing in a quality workforce. Since the program’s inception in 2002, KeyBank has been a valued partner.

“Economic self-sufficiency is the cornerstone of our philanthropic giving,” said Jeffrey Stone, president, Capital Region KeyBank N.A.. “We are pleased to continue our support of this exceptional program.”

At this time, 124 employees are currently enrolled in the work-study nursing program, while 54 nurses have graduated to date.

AMC is currently undergoing a $360 million expansion project, which is expected to generate 1,000 new permanent positions – many of them for nursing.