Pictured (L to R): Dr. Eugene J. Cornacchia, President, Saint Peter’s University; George Dailey, Treasurer, The Provident Bank Foundation; Dr. Mary Kate Naatus, KPMG Dean, School of Business, Saint Peter’s University; Carlos M. Gutierrez, J.D., Executive Director, Ignite Institute; Josephine Moran, Executive Vice President/Director of Retail Banking, Provident Bank; Joseph Yewaisis, Vice President/Relationship Manager, Provident Bank; Jane Kurek, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation; Konstantin Yusipov, Vice President/Market Manager, Provident Bank; Samantha Plotino, Foundation Associate, The Provident Bank Foundation; and Chris Martin, President, The Provident Bank Foundation

August 7, 2019 — The Provident Bank Foundation has announced The Urban Social Impact Incubator of Ignite Institute at Saint Peter’s University as the recipient of the Foundation’s $100,000 Signature Grant for 2019 in the Community Enrichment funding priority area.

The Ignite Institute, a Center of Excellence at Saint Peter’s University, was selected for its work to accelerate career advancement opportunities for its students through its newly launched Urban Social Impact Incubator while strengthening small businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises in Jersey City.

“The Ignite Institute at Saint Peter’s University is extremely grateful to The Provident Bank Foundation for this significant investment in its Urban Social Impact Incubator,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University. “Entrepreneurs create new wealth, jobs and social change. As the nature of work continues to shift, this Incubator will generate an economic impact for our community and our students.”

Programming for the Urban Social Impact Incubator will begin in September 2019. Students will partner with community businesses, gaining valuable work experience and mentorship opportunities in a variety of roles, while strengthening local organizations.

“Community enrichment is very important to the Foundation and we look forward to supporting The Ignite Institute on its mission to positively contribute to the growth of the local economy,” said Jane Kurek, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation. “Preparing students for future jobs in an ever-evolving and highly automated work environment is critical for the growth of our community.”

The Provident Bank Foundation will present the check on Friday, August 23 at 10 a.m. at Saint Peter’s University. Attending from The Provident Bank Foundation are President Christopher Martin and Executive Director Jane Kurek. Accepting the grant on behalf of Saint Peter’s University are Dr. Eugene J. Cornacchia, president of Saint Peter’s University; Dr. Mary Kate Naatus, dean of the School of Business; and Carlos M. Gutierrez, Jr., director of the Ignite Institute.

For more information about The Provident Bank Foundation, visit http://www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.

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About The Provident Bank Foundation

The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $25 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities. For more information, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.