With a commitment and passion to educational and personal development, Raymond James CARES and the Washington, DC Chapter of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) have once again partnered to support middle and high school students in the DMV area. For the second year in a row, they have provided essential hygiene bags, and they expanded their efforts this year to include academic bags aimed at giving underserved students a jump start on their summer learning.
Now in its 13th year, Raymond James Cares is a firm-wide program of Raymond James for associate giving, fundraising and volunteerism. Locally in the DMV, the program has committed to supporting students by providing essential resources through strategic outreach efforts in collaboration with local organizations. This year, the initiative benefited students from Richard Wright Public Charter School in Washington, DC, DuVal High School, and Walker Mill Middle School, both part of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). Notably, Walker Mill Middle School had also received hygiene bags in the previous year, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to aiding their students.
Dr. Carletta S. Hurt, President of the Washington, DC Chapter of the NBMBAA, emphasized, “Our collaboration with Raymond James CARES is a testament to the power of community and corporate partnerships in addressing the needs of our youth. By providing both hygiene and academic bags, we are helping to meet their immediate needs as well as empowering them to succeed academically and personally.”
The hygiene bags, filled with essential items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes, and other personal care products, aim to ensure that students have the basics they need to start their days feeling fresh and confident. The addition of academic bags this year, which include supplies such as notebooks, pens, and other educational materials, underscores a comprehensive approach to student support. These resources are particularly useful as students transition to summer break, offering them the tools to continue learning and preparing for the upcoming school year.
Warren Wright, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Complex Manager for Raymond James, highlighted the significance of this ongoing initiative. “Supporting our local students through the Raymond James CARES program is deeply meaningful to us. By working with the DC Chapter, we’re able to directly impact the lives of young people in our community. The combination of hygiene and academic bags this year reflects of our commitment to their holistic development and long-term success,” Wright remarked.
The partnership between Raymond James CARES and the NBMBAA’s Washington, DC Chapter reflects a shared vision of fostering educational equity and personal growth among underserved youth. By addressing both hygiene and academic needs, the initiative helps create a foundation for students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
