Truist Bank | 2023 Partner of the Year

Truist Bank (formerly SunTrust Bank), the LEC 2022-23 Partner of the Year, has been a generous partner for almost a decade. Over the past several years they have given $250,000+ to the Center. Because Truist recognizes the fundamental connection between overall literacy improvement and financial literacy, between 2016-2019 the Truist Foundation (formerly SunTrust Foundation) stepped up to help establish two Literacy & Technology Labs in Norfolk & Richmond Title I elementary schools. The labs include new computers, furniture, and headsets which augmented the learning experience of all students enrolled in the schools.

Many of the Bank’s initiatives demonstrate its commitment to the financial well-being of both children and adults. Through the Read to Them Program, the Bank purchased books for 4000+ elementary students enrolled in the Norfolk Public School District to help them learn the importance of financial literacy. The students, parents and school were enriched by this strategic initiative.

Truist Vice President Mark Johnson said, “The most rewarding part of the partnership has really been to see the students and their interaction with Truist teammates and with law enforcement and helping kids develop the financial acumen as well as reading comprehension to feel comfortable and confident as they prepare for their standards of learning test for Virginia.” Mark Johnson, Sr. Vice President & Community Development Manager, Truist Bank.

The Bank has been a major supporter of the Annual Gala and its leadership continues to play an integral role in encouraging literacy intervention programs throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia through their financial support and employee involvement in the school-based literacy tutoring program.