Citizens grants $25,000 to support CertUp, a first-of-its-kind workforce development program connecting Tampa Bay residents with training for well-paying careers.
Tampa, Fla. (September 17, 2026) – Citizens announced today a $25,000 grant to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council’s Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation (TBEPF) in support of CertUp, a TBEPF initiative connecting Tampa Bay residents with short-term training and certificate programs that prepare them for high-demand careers. Citizens’ Florida State President, Jim Weiss, presented a ceremonial check to TBEPF Chairman Dr. Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough College, and Craig J. Richard, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council president and CEO.
“Workforce development is a key priority for Citizens, reflecting the concerns of our clients and the needs of the communities we serve,” said Mr. Weiss. “This investment is about more than just funding programs; it’s about empowering individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the economic health of our communities. As someone who has followed the progress of this Foundation and the CertUp initiative from its inception, I am deeply impressed with the results it has achieved and the mission of this organization in helping to transform the lives and career prospects of Tampa Bay residents.”
Launched in 2022, CertUp’s multimedia public awareness campaigns educate Hillsborough County residents about careers in high demand by local employers that offer them significant advancement and earning potential without a four-year college degree. Highlighted pathways include electrical line worker, welding, auto collision technology technician, and emergency medical technician programs that take 13 months or less to complete, as well as two-year programs in financial technology (fintech), cybersecurity, and numerous allied health professions. More information can be found at CertUpTampa.com.
The Citizens gift will be leveraged to promote financial technology programs and educate local residents about the wide range of career opportunities available in the financial services industry.
“Thanks to Citizens’ generous donation to the Foundation and our CertUp campaign, we’ll be able to reach thousands more Hillsborough County residents who are looking for a quick path to a rewarding new career in financial services and fintech,” said Dr. Atwater. “We are grateful to Citizens for their commitment to workforce development and for creating so many excellent new financial services opportunities for our graduates to pursue.”
About the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to advance a diversified local economy that is beneficial to all by attracting, expanding and retaining quality employers, a talented workforce and investment, focusing within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Professional Services, Information Technology, Life Science and Health Care, Defense and Security, Distribution and Logistics, and Manufacturing. The EDC exists because of the generous support of more than 100 corporations, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. For more information, visit www.tampabayedc.com.
About Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $233.8 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail, private banking, wealth management and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a full-service customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,000 ATMs and approximately 1,000 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. Consumer Banking includes Citizens Private Bank and Private Wealth, which integrate banking services and wealth management solutions to serve high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as investors, In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers a broad complement of financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as loan syndication, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and debt and equity capital markets capabilities. More information is available at www.citizensbank.com or visit us on X , LinkedIn or Facebook.
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