Old National Bank Foundation 20 for 20 Grantee Profiles: Greenwood Project -- a Focus on Workforce Development in Chicago
As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, and two decades of helping build stronger, more vibrant and prosperous communities, the Old National Bank Foundation in 2026 is donating a total of $20,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations throughout its nine-state footprint, including Greenwood Project, located in Chicago, Ill.
Greenwood Project prepares Black and Latino college students for careers in financial services through training, mentorship, and intentional career pathways.
“Greenwood Project began with a simple, powerful idea -- there's no lack of talent, only a lack of opportunity,” said Kwesi Smith, Greenwood Project CEO. “Named after Tulsa's Greenwood district, historically known as ‘Black Wall Street,’ the organization set out to open doors in financial services for students who rarely get a foot in the door. Three years ago, under our leadership, Greenwood Project grew from a promising concept into the organization it is today, now serving hundreds of students through intensive training and coaching for competitive internships.”
Preparing for career growth
More than 90% of Greenwood Project scholars are in high-trajectory roles in financial services just one year after college graduation. This contrasts the more than 60% of Black and Latino graduates that are typically unemployed or underemployed after graduation, according to Smith.
“Federal Reserve research indicates that where you start is an indicator of where you’ll end up,” Smith said. “Scholars who start strong in roles at $60,000 and above are more than 250 times as likely to end up in careers that grow throughout their lifetimes.”
A story: Frankie
Old National Bank Foundation funding assists Greenwood Project in creating connections and opportunities for talented young individuals to step into roles where they can grow, lead, and create lasting economic impact.
“A good example of a success story is Frankie,” Smith said. “A strong student and athlete from the Chicago area, he had to quit high school athletics when a parent became ill, and Frankie took two jobs to feed his family. He couldn’t afford to go to a four-year university, so he began college at a local community college and transferred to the University of Illinois where a friend told him about Greenwood Project. Frankie majored in finance but didn’t know much about what careers were available to him. Working with his Greenwood Project coach, he began to understand that his skills and interests were targeted to investment banking. Through his Greenwood Project training and structured coaching he completed an initial private equity internship, and he is now an investment banking intern in New York City. In December he will graduate college, the first in his family to do so.”
Partnering to open doors
Greenwood Project’s work helps youth build both technical skills and the confidence needed to succeed in industries such as banking and finance.
“Our partnership with the Old National Bank Foundation supports the training and programming that prepares our scholars, and also as an employer partner, they open real doors,” Smith said. “Being chosen as one of 20 organizations for Old National Bank Foundation's 20th anniversary celebration is a meaningful vote of confidence in our shared mission, and we're grateful for a partner that puts opportunity into action. With the Old National Bank Foundation’s support, we expect to prepare more ‘Frankies’ for financial services careers.”
Together, these partnerships through the Old National Bank Foundation help provide youth with the training and skill sets to navigate college and successfully begin careers that change lives and communities in cities such as Chicago.
“Our ‘20 for 20’ campaign recognizes 20 organizations that have helped strengthen communities and expand opportunity through their partnership with the Old National Bank Foundation,” said Old National Bank Foundation President Joe Kiser. “Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to serving others reflect the very best of what can happen when communities come together around a shared purpose. As we celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, these organizations represent the many communities, causes, and partnerships that have shaped the Foundation’s work over the past two decades.”
To learn more about Greenwood Project, click here.
Each year, the Old National Bank Foundation endeavors to fund as many initiatives that meet our funding priorities as possible across our footprint. For more information on grants or the Old National Bank Foundation click here.
