Boys & Girls Clubs is one of more than 450 youth-serving organizations supported by the Taco Bell Foundation’s nearly $23 million earmarked for community grants this year. Photo contributed

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County has received a $55,000 grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support Fresno County’s youth by supporting career/college prep-based after-school programs, mentorships and stipends for youth workers’ first jobs.

Boys & Girls Clubs is one of more than 450 youth-serving organizations supported by the Taco Bell Foundation’s nearly $23 million earmarked for community grants this year.

“Our partnership with Taco Bell has a huge ripple effect in our community because many teens from our Clubhouses graduate high school and go on to become leaders, advocates, and philanthropist,” said Diane Carbray, president/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County “After-school programs at the Clubs will continue to help youth dream big, be bold, and succeed.”

The Taco Bell Foundation helps the nation’s youth pursue educational and career goals and opportunities. Since 1992, the foundation has reached more than 5 million young people nationwide and has awarded more than $188 million in grants and additional funding focused on education and career readiness.

“Our Community Grants program is unique, because the funds are dispersed back to organizations in the local community they are raised in,” said Taco Bell Foundation Chairman Neil Borkan. “We are so thankful for the generosity of our partners, customers and Taco Bell team members that make it possible for us to continue serving youth across the country.”

For 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County has provided a safe place for youth ages 6 – 18 to learn and grow at its 14 locations throughout Fresno County.