TD Bank Group (TD) has announced its support for two new initiatives aimed at enhancing the employability of underrepresented and underserved communities in North America. This effort is part of the TD Ready Commitment, a corporate citizenship platform designed to prepare individuals for the jobs of the future.
The two organizations receiving new funding from TD are:
Making Changes Employment Association of Alberta: This non-profit, which focuses on empowering women with skills and resources for educational and employment opportunities, has received $50,000. The funding will support the Women in Technology (WIT) program, targeting unemployed or underemployed immigrant and Indigenous women in Calgary. The program aims to enhance participants’ technology skills, improving their prospects in the job market.
Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office: This organization, dedicated to increasing employability and supporting local entrepreneurs, has been awarded $40,000. The funds will go towards the Indigenous Cyber Security Program and Indigenous Blue Seal Program, which are designed to help community members develop skills in STEM fields, take on leadership roles, or start their own businesses.
“At TD, one of the ways we deliver on our purpose to help enrich lives is by supporting organizations that offer new skills training and entrepreneurship opportunities geared towards improving income stability,” said Alicia Rose, Associate Vice President, Social Impact, Sustainability, and Corporate Citizenship. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, we are proud to support organizations focused on helping people build and strengthen skills required for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
These initiatives are part of a broader effort by TD, which has committed $3.5 million to various organizations by 2026. Other beneficiaries include:
- Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (A.C.C.E.S.): Receiving $900,000 over three years for programs aiding women newcomers in upskilling and securing employment in STEM fields.
- Black Boys Code Society: Awarded $836,304 for their Black Youth After School Program & Summer Technology Camp, focusing on coding and math skills for Black youth in nine Canadian cities.
- Skills for Change: Granted $750,000 over three years for the TechForward: Black Women in Data Analytics initiative, supporting Black women in data analytics and entrepreneurship in Toronto.
- Tech Kids Unlimited (TKU): Received US$50,000 for the “Career Ladder” program, which helps neurodiverse students and people with autism gain job skills in computer science and technology.
- The McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick: Given $750,000 for the Indigenous Youth Digital Acceleration Program, aimed at bridging the digital gap for Indigenous youth.
- Venture for Canada: Provided $255,000 for the Sustainable Futures Fellowship Program, supporting inclusivity and sustainability.
“New innovations, like AI, are changing how every industry operates,” noted Tim Clark, Senior Vice President, Commercial and Corporate Platforms, TD Bank Group. “It’s important that job seekers from all backgrounds have access to training for the jobs of the future. At TD, we’re committed to building a diverse tech talent base and supporting ongoing upskilling.”
Today’s announcement coincides with TD Tech and Innovation Day, an event highlighting the bank’s technology and innovation efforts, with this year’s theme being Human-Centered Innovation.
For more information on the TD Ready Commitment, visit td.com/tdreadycommitment.
About TD Bank Group
TD Bank Group is one of North America’s largest banks, with over 27.5 million customers and CA$1.91 trillion in assets as of January 31, 2024. TD operates in multiple financial sectors, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, and wholesale banking. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges under the symbol “TD”.