Washington, D.C. (Oct. 30, 2019) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington got a huge financial shot in the arm Wednesday when longtime partner M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust donated $100,000 to the YMCA Anthony Bowen’s Future Leaders Academy. The money was contributed as part of the bank and wealth management firm’s multiyear philanthropic commitment and represents the second $100,00 charitable donation in the past five years. 
The donation was presented during a ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the YMCA Anthony Bowen YMCA, located at 1325 W Street, NW. Anthony Bowen Y was the first YMCA for African American founded in Washington, DC back in 1853. The facility is now one of 17 associated Y branches in the Washington region, servicing youth and families across the District.
The forthcoming “M&T Bank & Wilmington Trust Future Leaders Academy” at YMCA Anthony Bowen is a STEM-based early learning program that prepares children ages 2 to 5 for a 21st century education and career. The Academy is designed to develop fine motor and language skills, and build each child’s self-esteem, confidence and sense of responsibility.
Leaders from The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington and M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust, were on hand for the including: Angie Reese-Hawkins, President & CEO, YMCA; Janice Williams, Senior Vice President of Programs, YMCA; Dave DiLuigi, Regional President, Greater Washington & Central VA, Wilmington Trust, and Cecilia Hodges, Regional President, Greater Washington and Central Virginia, M&T Bank.
According to the most recent National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) report, less than one-third of fourth graders in D.C. are proficient in mathematics. The event will provide an overview of the Academy curriculum and impact to the community.
