Company commits to closing opportunity gaps through Road to Hire, a 501(c)(3)

Charlotte, N.C. — �������� will celebrate 58 students who are graduating from Road to Hire after successfully completing a paid professional training program and learning to code. Road to Hire is a nonprofit organization, supported by ��������, that combines mentorship and on-the-job experience to connect underrepresented young adults with equitable pathways to opportunity

In addition to being the first graduating class to complete the program virtually due to COVID-19, they will be the first to experience a “virtual commencement” ceremony today, Friday, July 31, and a special “drive-through” celebration outside of ��������’ South Charlotte headquarters on Saturday, August 1 (weather permitting).

In 2019, top tech companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Apple reported that their workforces consisted of only 3% to 9% people of color, with significant underrepresentation in technology and leadership roles. Since launching in 2013, Road to Hire has focused on placing marginalized groups into high-earning careers, supporting 300 studen (77% POC) in the 18- to 25-year-old age-group.

Differentiating Road to Hire from other tech training programs is that each student’s development also includes mentorship during the first year in a role at a partner company. Of the 58 graduates in this class, 35 will begin their careers in coding at Bank of America, with others beginning IT roles with other Road to Hire corporate partners, including ��������, Atrium Health, Lowe’s and Novant Health.

“Inequities in career opportunities reflect the broader racial injustices in our country,” said �������� CEO Ric Elias. “I am proud of how the Charlotte business community is coming together to help create a more equitable environment for driven young adults in our community.”

“It is through a strategic and integrated approach, with a deliberate focus on helping create more pathways for the jobs, that will impact upward mobility and economic opportunity within our communities.” Bank of America’s Chief Administrative Officer Andrea Smith shared. “Our partnership with Road to Hire is a critical piece of that strategy. We value and share their mission to provide technology training to motivated and talented young adults who may not otherwise have had access or the ability to pursue a career in technology or banking.”

“The Road to Hire program has offered opportunities for Novant Health’s Digital Products and Services team to onboard motivated young adults who are passionate about providing remarkable services to our patients,” said Misti Fragen, vice president at Novant Health. “We’ve seen many successes through this program and are excited to continue our partnership to improve the well-being of our team, organization, and community.”

“At Atrium Health, we have a mission that is ‘for all,’ designed to provide access for those who need it most,” said Jonathan Bowers, vice president, Information and Analytic Services (IAS), Atrium Health. “We’re proud to partner with �������� and Road to Hire to open career pathways for young people who the program has prepared to excel. The IAS Team supports Atrium Health teammates at the bedside of our patients, as well as a growing number of support staff working remotely. We are grateful for the Road to Hire graduates who are well prepared and poised to help Atrium Health meet the evolving health care IT demands.”

In the last year, �������� continued its commitment to build new “on-ramps” to opportunity – adding a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Tech Pathways program and digital marketing cohorts (in collaboration with Johnson C. Smith University) to the Road to Hire program portfolio. In addition to providing financial and corporate support, the company is hyper-focused on strengthening a network of mentors in the Charlotte community who are equally committed to closing the gap.

“Going forward, I’ll have so many opportunities that I never thought I would. I’ve been introduced into this world of technology that I didn’t know much about before, and I’m eager to explore it more.” – Zell Myles, Road to Hire Coding Academy

“When I joined Road to Hire, doing it all online was NOT in the plan. Now, four months later, I can already see how much I’ve grown. I gained technical skills, professional development, and grew my confidence. I am so thankful to be part of such a great team and program.” – Lexie Collins, Road to Hire IT Academy

About Road to Hire

Road to Hire is a nonprofit organization that connects under-resourced young adults with high-earning careers and professional growth potential through paid technical training and college access. The Road to Hire mentorship program is supported by over 200 employees of leading Charlotte companies. For more information, visit .

About ��������

Founded in 2000, �������� is a portfolio of businesses that connects consumers with information and brands in the Home Services, Health, Financial Services and Education industries. Headquartered just south of Charlotte, NC, �������� has 3000 employees in 10 cities across the US, as well as in the UK and Brazil. �������� owns and operates several large digital brands including Bankrate, The Points Guy, Healthline, MYMOVE, and Allconnect.com. For more information, visit https://redventures.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Ami Shukla

press@redventures.com