PHOENIX (August 8, 2025) – Banner Health Foundation is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. The funding will support Banner Health’s career development programs for middle school and high school students, promoting health care careers and preparing talent for high-demand roles like nurses, medical assistants, and device technicians in Arizona.
“Like the Taco Bell Foundation, Banner Health values programming that breaks down barriers to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders. We are so honored to have Taco Bell Foundation’s support to help make a positive impact on Arizona youth, providing students with vital resources to realize their future career potential,” said Andy Petersen, president and chief executive officer of the Banner Health Foundation.
The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The Community Grants program uplifts youth in the communities that matter most to Taco Bell – those of its fans and Team Members. True to the brand’s spirit, the Taco Bell Foundation supports nonprofits that think differently and take bold approaches to creating new opportunities for young people.
Banner Health Foundation was nominated for the grant by local Taco Bell franchisee Mark Peterson, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship, and career readiness programs across the community. A check presentation with franchise owner Mark Peterson and the Banner Health Foundation team took place yesterday.
“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 this grant, Banner Health will expose 7,500 high school students to career opportunities in health care, engage 200 students in full program immersion with hands-on technical training and skill-building, and improve recruitment and participation rates among Black and Latino youth through direct outreach and mentoring.
About Banner Health Foundation
Established in 2001, the Banner Health Foundation engages the community and stewards charitable contributions to advance Banner Health’s nonprofit mission of making health care easier so life can be better. Contributions are invested locally to support patient care programs and services operated by Banner’s many hospitals and health care facilities across Arizona. For more information, visit www.bannerhealthfoundation.org.
About Taco Bell Foundation
Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that empowers the next generation to pursue their passions by breaking down barriers to education and providing resources to help young people chase their boldest ambitions. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached nearly 9 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $203 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.
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