How U.S. Bank’s $10,000 investment is driving leadership growth for Leaders of Color and Leaders of Lived Experiences.
For over a decade, U.S. Bank has stood alongside Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA), investing more than $300,000 to strengthen programs that support underrepresented students and communities across the state.
Most recently, U.S. Bank deepened its commitment to equity and leadership development through a $10,000 investment in CISWA’s Leaders of Color/Leaders of Lived Experiences Scholarship Program.
This funding provided five (5) leaders across the CISWA affiliate network with $2,000 each to pursue professional development opportunities, strengthen community connections, and expand their impact. By investing directly in individuals driving change, U.S. Bank is helping to build stronger leaders and, in turn, stronger outcomes for the students and communities they serve.
Building Inclusive and Supportive Leadership Cultures
Creating truly inclusive teams requires more than just hiring diverse talent, it demands a commitment to fostering environments where Black and Brown leaders, as well as those with lived experiences, are supported and nurtured in their growth. The Leaders of Color/Leaders of Lived Experiences Scholarship Program was designed with this goal in mind. It opens doors for these individuals to advance in their careers, while also ensuring that the communities they serve benefit from the leadership they provide. Through programs like this, CIS staff continue to build a workforce that reflects the diversity and lived experiences of the students they support.
Targeting Impact: Who Benefits from the Scholarships
The scholarships are specifically targeted for CIS WA network staff who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), or who have lived experiences that align with the challenges faced by the students and communities served by the CIS WA network. Lived experience refers to individuals who have navigated adversity similar to the students they support, such as participating in services provided by CISWA. By focusing on these leaders, the program ensures that those who have firsthand understanding of the challenges facing students are in positions of power to make a meaningful impact.
Year 1: Strengthening Community and Leadership
In its first year, the scholarship program was focused on supporting program managers within the CIS WA network as they worked to build stronger relationships within their communities, adhere to the core principles of the CIS model in schools, and address the challenges of student engagement and school partnerships. Scholarship recipients were selected at random from a pool of applicants who articulated how they would use the funds to enhance their leadership skills and address the needs of their schools and communities. This approach not only strengthened the leadership of individual recipients but also reinforced the network of CIS staff working to ensure students’ success across Washington.
“U.S. Bank is incredibly proud to support the Leaders of Color and Leaders of Lived Experiences scholarship program, and we are inspired by each recipient’s journey to become transformative leaders within their communities and schools,” said Chris Befumo, U.S. Bank branch banking market leader for Washington. “Through mentorship, leadership development sessions, and networking, the program empowers leaders who are deeply connected to the communities they serve, fostering opportunities for future collaboration, recruitment, and community engagement.”
About the U.S. Bank and Communities In Schools of Washington Partnership
Since 2010, U.S. Bank has invested more than $300,000 in Communities In Schools of Washington, helping to expand access to critical supports for underrepresented students across the state. This long-standing partnership focuses on empowering youth through leadership development, direct resources, and sustained community engagement. In 2024 alone, U.S. Bank contributed $50,000 to fuel transformative programs that connect students to the support they need to succeed, ensuring stronger outcomes for both young people and the communities they call home.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision for 2025
CISWA is committed to continuing this initiative, with plans to reapply for funding from U.S. Bank in 2025. The goal is to further empower Leaders of Color/Leaders of Lived Experiences, providing them with the tools and support they need to continue growing as leaders across the CIS WA network. This ongoing partnership ensures that leadership development is a priority, not only for individuals but for the broader community of students and families served by CISWA.
Partnering for Long-Term Growth and Support
U.S. Bank leaders are exploring additional ways to engage with scholarship recipients, such as:
- Hosting leadership development sessions
- Creating mentorship opportunities
- Connecting senior U.S. Bank leadership with CISWA staff at future events
These collaborations are essential for fostering continued growth and empowering leaders to make a long-lasting impact.
The partnership between U.S. Bank and CISWA exemplifies the power of community investment in fostering equitable leadership. By supporting Leaders of Color and Leaders of Lived Experiences, U.S. Bank is contributing not only to the personal growth of individuals but also to the strengthening of the communities and schools they serve. This ongoing initiative will have a profound impact, ensuring that diverse leaders are empowered to drive meaningful change throughout Washington.
Learn More About CISWA’s Initiatives
For more information about the Leaders of Color/Leaders of Lived Experiences Scholarship Program or to learn more about corporate engagement, reach out to Carina Raddatz, Development Director, at carina@ciswa.org.
