In partnership with the Young Women’s Leadership Academy Foundation of Chattanooga, SouthEast Bank has committed a three-year investment of $154,500 toward key initiatives that will serve the students and staff of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy and Montessori Elementary at Highland Park, according to a news release.
Much of this investment will support Montessori with the hiring of three new teacher assistants and will provide one CGLA graduating senior with a SouthEast Bank Scholarship of $1,500 per year. Lastly, a portion will support the CGLA Backpack for Success Program.
“When you meet the young women who have been a part of CGLA, their energy, enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment are immediately evident,” bank President Ron Jones said in the release. “Supporting them and the students of MEHP as they reach their potential will undoubtedly benefit our community for years to come.”
CGLA and MEHP are tuition-free Title 1 schools serving 90% low-income and at-risk students. Nearly 800 students are currently enrolled across both schools.
Gus Diamondidis, director of advancement and fund development for CGLA and the Montessori school, said the bank’s investment will help provide opportunities for students to succeed academically. “By providing early childhood education opportunities for at-risk children – beginning at age 3 – we believe we can have an even greater impact on children in Hamilton County,” he said in the release.