Financial literacy and career readiness are more critical than ever! The Future Bankers of America program in Connecticut is an opportunity for high school students to get a jump start on a career in finance. This innovative program, run by the Center for Financial Training (CFT) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) partners with local banks and schools to provide students with hands-on experience and insights into the banking industry, preparing them for future careers in finance. This summer, Chelsea Groton Bank collaborated with Norwich Free Academy (NFA) to sponsor and mentor two aspiring young bankers through this program.
Future Bankers of America aims to bridge the gap between education and the professional world by offering students real-world experiences in the banking sector. This initiative not only enhances students’ understanding of financial concepts, but also equips them with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive job market. This four-week college-level program for minority, high potential students include two weeks of classroom instruction followed by two weeks of real-world experience, including job shadowing, site visits, industry presentations, hands-on activities, and more.
Founded in Florida, the Future Bankers program recently moved to Connecticut, where it has gained significant traction, thanks to the active participation of community-focused banks. By partnering with local high schools such as Norwich Free Academy, banks are able to provide invaluable opportunities for students to explore career paths in banking and finance.
“Chelsea Groton Bank has a long-standing commitment to community development and education. Our involvement with the Future Bankers of America program is just one more way to show our dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering economic growth in the region,” shared Miria Gray, AVP, Community Education Officer at Chelsea Groton Bank. “We took our participation a step further by sponsoring a student from Norwich Free Academy, which means we covered costs associated with the program but also provided the student with mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals within CFT, the FDIC, and local area banks. Chelsea Groton also welcomed two students from Norwich Free Academy to shadow our team for two weeks. This immersive experience allowed the students to gain firsthand insight into the daily operations of a bank, from customer service and loan processing to financial planning and financial education.”
Students who participate in the Future Bankers of America program leave with more than just financial knowledge; they gain confidence, practical skills, and a clearer vision of their future careers. They graduate from the four-week program with experiences they can put on a resume and a certificate that will give them a leg up in a competitive job market.
As these young future bankers continue to learn and grow, the partnership between educational institutions and local banks like Chelsea Groton will remain crucial in fostering a well-prepared workforce, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
If you’re interested in having our Community Education Officer provide financial wellness education in your school or organization, email Miria Gray at mgray@chelseagroton.com.
