Truist Foundation funds TCCEED workforce training

Truist Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Treasure Coast Center for Economic and Educational Development to expand workforce training, employer partnerships and coordinated systems that connect local residents with in-demand career opportunities. The grant will support TCCEED’s work to build career pathways to economic mobility, one of Truist Foundation’s two grantmaking priorities. Truist Foundation also focuses on strengthening small businesses.

“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities, and that purpose comes to life through partnerships like this,” said Steven Rivera, Truist market president. “We’re proud to support an effort that creates lasting impact for individuals, employers and the communities they serve.”

The funding will help TCCEED expand adult workforce pathways through industry-recognized certification training aligned with immediate hiring needs across the Treasure Coast. The organization expects to help about 100 participants earn credentials, including OSHA 10 and forklift certifications, and connect them with employment opportunities.

“We are honored and grateful to Truist Foundation for believing in TCCEED’s mission and investing in the future of our workforce,” said Anita Fischer, TCCEED executive director. “This grant will help us expand access to industry-recognized certifications while connecting about 100 adults to meaningful career opportunities with our network of employer partners. Workforce development is economic development, and every credential earned and quality local job secured strengthens our businesses, families and communities.”

TCCEED connects adult learners across the Treasure Coast with industry-recognized training and employment opportunities that can lead to stable, higher-wage careers. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit was created in 2025 by the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County to help build a modern, job-ready talent pipeline and strengthen access to sustainable, locally based careers.

TCCEED serves as a workforce intermediary, working with partners including Project LIFT, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, United Way of St. Lucie County, United Against Poverty and Florida Training Services. In addition to providing workforce training, TCCEED connects Treasure Coast residents with more than 100 partner employers in high-demand industries, including manufacturing, health care, construction and logistics.

“We are grateful to Truist Foundation for this investment in TCCEED’s mission,” said Azlina Goldstein, TCCEED board chair. “This support strengthens our ability to work alongside nonprofit partners and employers to open doors for Treasure Coast residents seeking stable, quality jobs and careers. The estimated 100 people who will benefit directly from this grant represent just the beginning of its long-term impact.”

About TCCEED

The Treasure Coast Center for Economic and Educational Development is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that connects the region’s businesses, educators and workforce leaders to build a stronger, more competitive talent pipeline in St. Lucie County and beyond. TCCEED helps align education and training with community needs, supporting business growth while expanding career opportunities for residents. Contact TCCEED at 772-324-2014, ext. 204, or visit www.tcceed.org.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community. The EDC works with local governments and the private sector to create more and better-paying jobs, broaden the tax base and improve St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life. Contact the EDC at 772-324-2014, contact@youredc.com or www.youredc.com.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corp.’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 with an operating budget independent of Truist Financial Corp., makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations focused on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to help all communities thrive. The foundation’s leading initiatives include the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at TruistFoundation.org.


Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email news@indianrivermedia.com.