YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a $35,000 Community Grant to the Youngstown Business Incubator to support career exploration and awareness in the area through virtual reality lesson plans.
“This grant allows us to bring immersive career exploration experiences to even more students in our community,” said Megan Payich, director of Explore VR. “We’re grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation and its local franchise partners for believing in our mission and investing in the potential of our youth.”
The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide, a news release states. YBI was nominated for the grant by a local Taco Bell franchisee.
“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors.”
Through the grant, YBI will be able to reach 1,200 underserved students in the Youngstown area, the release states.