Truist Bank recently presented $25,000 to the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Foundation to support the Career and Leadership Development Academy (CLDA) and financial wellness programming, according to a news release.

The CLDA is a 10-month program allowing seventh-grade students in New Hanover County Schools to explore local career clusters, identify top career choices and experience various jobs, the release stated.

In October, eighth-graders in Title I New Hanover County Schools Trask, Williston, Myrtle Grove and Holly Shelter went through the Truist Life, Money, and Choices financial education program. After the course, the four schools received $5,000 to use at their discretion.

“By investing in financial education for students, we are laying the foundation for a more financially responsible society while providing our own Truist teammates with powerful ways to give back to their communities,” said Truist Chief CRA/Community Development Officer Anthony Weekly in the release.