Peoria Standard

Mayor Rita Ali will announce the second round of Peoria Role Model Project participants on Wednesday, October 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Peoria Civic Center, Ballroom A. The initiative, funded through a grant by PNC Foundation, is intended to help inspire and empower 150 local youth by connecting them with local Black professionals who will serve as role models year-round.

 “I am thrilled to announce the second round of role models to connect with area youth.  Through the Peoria Role Model Project, we will connect young people living in distressed areas of the city with role models who can positively influence their decision-making processes, their outlook and access to opportunities, and how they carve out a path for future success.,” said Peoria Mayor Rita Ali.

 The Peoria Role Model Project will expose 150 aspiring youth from economically impacted areas of Peoria to accomplished and inspiring professionals from diverse fields such as business, education, arts, technology, healthcare, and more. The project will also engage other community partners, including Peoria Public Schools.

 “It’s exciting to welcome a new group of students who will leverage this opportunity to grow, learn, and network,” said Brian Ray, PNC regional president of central Illinois. “Our hope is for these students to be empowered knowing there are people willing to be a meaningful part of their journey through school and life. Our support for The Peoria Role Model Project reflects PNC’s longstanding commitment to invest in initiatives that help drive real change for Peoria’s future workforce and economic success, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.”

 The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (www.pnc.com), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.

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