Bridgeport High School Students Visit Wells Fargo’s NYC Offices in Collaboration with Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County
New York, NY, (May 20, 2024) – In an ongoing effort to build understanding and interest in financial services careers with underserved youth, Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County (JAGFC) and Wells Fargo have announced a joint effort to help increase financial education and programming for local youth, with plans for additional expansion across multiple programs in the coming year. With support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, JAGFC will create new, expanded financial literacy training and programs for students across the greater Fairfield County area.
During a student experience on Friday, May 17, students from Central High School in Bridgeport, CT had the opportunity to meet with employees of Wells Fargo for a first-hand look at the world of banking and finance at the company’s Hudson Yards offices in New York City. Working in collaboration with JAGFC, students received a tour of Wells Fargo’s trading floor and got a glimpse into their future firsthand through experiential learning about sales and trading. Volunteers from Wells Fargo also provided job preparedness training and tips for a successful career in the financial services industry. The day of learning concluded with a visit to The Edge with reps from the Related Companies, which developed and manage Hudson Yards.
The student experience is the culmination of a series of sessions facilitated by Junior Achievement and led by Wells Fargo volunteers with these students this year. Prior to the field trip, students from Central High School worked with volunteers from the bank to learn about key aspects of financial literacy and economic concepts over three sessions. This effort, spearheaded by Lori Avedikian of Wells Fargo’s Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) team, aims to help overcome systemic barriers for financial inclusion and financial health programs.
Bernadine Venditto, president of Bridgeport-based Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County outlined the impact of these partnerships. “Junior Achievement is committed to helping streamline the transition from education to employment through our focus on work and career readiness. JA partnerships with organizations like Wells Fargo help students make the connection between what they learn in school to life outside the classroom, including future jobs and careers. Together with outstanding partners like Wells Fargo, we help to facilitate the connections that remove the barriers of access to meaningful employment throughout our region.”
“As the Bank of Doing, we know that financial education is the gateway to economic success and self-sufficiency, and that good money management skills lead to more confident consumers,” said Terence Floyd, Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Impact for Connecticut at Wells Fargo. “Wells Fargo is a proud supporter of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County, and we are thrilled to continue our work with an organization that is so focused on the growth and development of today’s youth.”
For nearly two decades, Wells Fargo has supported JAGFC through donations, volunteerism, and community engagement. This year, Wells Fargo’s Corporate & Investment Bank provided a $10,000 grant in support of the May 17th experience, and Wells Fargo’s local Philanthropy & Community Impact team will grant $60,000 to JAGFC to support financial literacy and student experiences for youth throughout the region.
About Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County
Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County (JAGFC) is dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed, through programs which focus on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Learning experiences, delivered by corporate and community volunteers, provide essential business and life skills, which empower young people to succeed in their careers and to manage their personal finances. JA programs are designed to meet the needs of local schools and youth with lessons and experiences that promote financial stability and economic mobility. JAGFC is committed to delivering practical, relevant, and innovative learning experiences that prepare young people with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.