As the nation pauses to honor those who served this Veterans Day, Bank of America is putting action behind the appreciation—announcing a $350,000 grant to American Corporate Partners (ACP), a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and military spouses transition successfully into civilian careers.
The funding, unveiled just ahead of the holiday and in anticipation of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, will support 250 new mentorships over the next year, connecting veterans with experienced business leaders across industries.
A Partnership with Purpose
In a statement released November 10, Bank of America said the initiative reflects its long-term goal of expanding career opportunities for those who’ve served, while also investing in broader economic mobility.
The grant builds on a relationship the bank first forged with ACP in 2018, one that has already resulted in dozens of veterans joining Bank of America’s own workforce.
“Veterans and military spouses bring invaluable skills, leadership, and resilience to the workforce,” said Meghan Hughes, Bank of America’s head of workforce development. “By expanding our partnership with American Corporate Partners, we’re not only investing in their future—we’re helping build pathways to long-term success while driving American economic growth and opportunity.”
ACP, founded in 2008, has become one of the most effective transition programs for post-9/11 service members. Its mentorship program has guided nearly 40,000 veterans and spouses through one-on-one partnerships with business professionals nationwide. According to ACP data, 80% of mentees stay in their chosen field, and the average post-mentorship salary tops $90,000.
Supporting Veterans Beyond Mentorship
This grant complements Bank of America’s broader veteran-focused strategy, which includes:
| Program | Focus | Results / Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran Hiring Initiative | Goal to hire 10,000 veterans and spouses in the next five years | Ongoing nationwide |
| Military Support & Assistance Group (MSAG) | Employee network promoting inclusion and support for service members | 43 chapters, 22,000 members |
| Home Donation Program | Housing for veterans and nonprofits | 6,500+ homes donated since 2012, including 2,700 to veteran-serving organizations |
Since joining ACP’s network, Bank of America employees have served as mentors for hundreds of participants, helping them transition into roles in finance, technology, management, and entrepreneurship.
ACP Founder and Chairman Sid E. Goodfriend underscored the deeper significance of the collaboration:
“America’s 250th birthday is a time to honor service, but true honor demands more than words. The incredible talent of our Veterans and Military Spouses is too often diminished by underemployment. Bank of America’s commitment to hundreds of dedicated mentorships is an act of transformation, not charity.”
Veterans Day 2025: Honoring Service, Building Futures
Observed every November 11, Veterans Day honors those who’ve served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, amid a tense global landscape and a challenging economy, the day carries renewed meaning for both veterans and the nation that depends on their sacrifice.
In a statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Secretary Doug Collins said:
“America’s Veterans have made our country—and our military—the greatest in the world. On Veterans Day, we honor these patriots, celebrate them for protecting our freedoms, and salute them for keeping us safe.”
Bank of America’s move underscores a growing private-sector recognition that honoring veterans means more than symbolic gestures—it means creating tangible opportunities for career growth and long-term stability.
America 250: A Legacy of Service
The upcoming celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, is inspiring corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies to highlight civic engagement and national renewal. For Bank of America, that milestone is being used to align philanthropic investments with programs that build “a stronger, more inclusive economy.”
By supporting ACP’s mentorships, the bank ties its brand not just to patriotism but to workforce reintegration—a crucial issue as tens of thousands of service members return to civilian life each year.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Veterans often face significant barriers reentering the workforce: gaps in civilian credentials, difficulty translating military experience into corporate roles, and frequent relocations tied to family service.
ACP and partners like Bank of America aim to bridge that gap with career guidance, resume building, networking, and mentorship—all while encouraging employers to adopt skills-based hiring rather than rigid credential requirements.
The initiative also complements national efforts by the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) and the VA’s Transition Assistance Program, both designed to boost job readiness for veterans and their families.
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. approaches its 250th year, programs like this one reflect a broader theme: rebuilding the American workforce through inclusion, skill development, and recognition of the people who’ve served.
For veterans and their families, that means a promise of more than gratitude—it means access to real opportunity.
“This partnership is about building futures,” Hughes said. “It’s about ensuring every veteran who wants to thrive in civilian life has the support and the mentorship to do it.”
FAQs
What is Bank of America funding through this grant?
A $350,000 grant to American Corporate Partners to fund 250 mentorships for veterans and military spouses.
What does American Corporate Partners (ACP) do?
ACP connects veterans and military spouses with corporate mentors to help them transition into civilian careers.
How long have Bank of America and ACP worked together?
Since 2018, with dozens of veterans hired by the bank through the program.
How many veterans has ACP helped nationwide?
Nearly 40,000, with an 80% retention rate in post-mentorship careers.
What is the connection to America’s 250th birthday?
The initiative honors the upcoming semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of U.S. independence in July 2026, marking a commitment to national renewal and service.
