Grant funds from the KeyBank Foundation will establish a learning center designed to create an inclusive, accessible community hub
CLEVELAND – (September 10, 2026) – Today, KeyBank announced an investment of $2 million in the Highland Park Golf Foundation (HPGF) to expand educational opportunities, workforce development programs, and inclusive community experiences for Cleveland residents. The investment will establish the KeyBank Learning Center at Highland Park Golf Course (HPGC), creating a year-round hub for students, families, veterans, seniors and community members from all neighborhoods can access programming to help build skills, connections and pathways to opportunities.
The Highland Hills-based golf course first opened in 1928 and has a storied history of access and inclusion in the game of golf. As the only public course near Cleveland’s east side, Highland Park became a welcoming destination for minority golfers. It was home to Charlie Sifford, a trailblazing golfer who broke barriers as the first official Black player on the PGA Tour, and the course remains an important part of the history of minority golf in Cleveland. Today, Highland Park is continuing the legacy by creating opportunities and welcoming new generations of participants.
“We are truly grateful and honored that KeyBank recognizes both our capacity and golf’s unique power to unite communities and create lasting change,” said Bob Flesher, President of HPGF. “It is a privilege to serve Cleveland in this way.”
Through internships, career programs and hands-on learning experiences at the KeyBank Learning Center, visitors will have exposure to a variety of career pathways, including hospitality, customer service, event management, retail operations, environmental conservation, grounds management and civic leadership. The center’s programming will be designed to help young people build job-ready skills while connecting them with mentors and real-world career opportunities.
The Learning Center will also support environmental education programming tied to Highland Park’s ongoing conservation efforts and commitment to preserving one of Cleveland’s largest urban green spaces.
Following a competitive bidding process, HPGF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was awarded management rights to HPGC by the City of Cleveland in 2023. The group is dedicated to the restoration, revitalization, and long-term sustainability of the historic course. Since taking over, the results are visible. Highland Park recorded its strongest season in decades in 2025. The KeyBank Learning Center represents the next phase of that transformation, expanding the course’s role as a community asset and hub for learning and opportunity.
“At KeyBank, we believe everyone deserves access to opportunities that help them learn, grow, and thrive,” said Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at KeyBank and CEO of the KeyBank Foundation. “This investment is about creating pathways for young people, supporting workforce readiness, and building a welcoming community space that honors Cleveland’s history while preparing the next generation for the future.”
The HPGF expects programming to serve approximately 5,000 individuals within its first three years. Construction is set to begin in 2027.
ABOUT KEYCORP
KeyCorp’s roots trace back more than 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $191 billion as of June 30, 2026.
Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 950 branches and approximately 1,100 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.
– Article courtesy of KeyBank
