STRATFORD, Conn. –For several years, Stratford School System’s BEST (Business Education Support Team) Program has partnered with Sikorsky Credit Union to bring financial literacy to students in town. Sikorsky Credit Union is funding a $1,000 mini-grant for Financial Literacy, and recently made a presentation to the Stratford Board of Education.
Stratford’s BEST is designed to promote excellence by supporting teachers in their classroom efforts, and operates in many areas, from mentoring to scholarships. Stratford’s BEST provides grants for innovative and outstanding projects that otherwise would not be funded. Since 1987, over 50,000 students have benefited from BEST. Grants are awarded in a wide variety of subject areas, from academics to early childhood literacy, career development, community service and the arts.
“Working closely with students, I see first-hand the importance of financial literacy programs’, mentioned Jo-Anne Lucia, Youth Initiative Specialist at Sikorsky Credit Union. ‘We are dedicated to helping create a strong and financially literate community, and this partnership is one of the ways of achivieving that mission.” Stratford’s BEST is one of many community organizations that receive support from Sikorsky Credit Union.
Separately, Sikorsky Credit Union was a participant in “Career Day” at Bunnell High School. The day featured as guest speakers representatives from many walks of life sharing their real-life experience to interested students, including SCU.
Sikorsky Credit Union was represented by Marketing Department employees Jo-Anne Lucia and Dan Ruskin. They gave a presentation called “A Career in Marketing,” speaking about departmental roles, necesssary skills and educational coursework that will prepare them for a future in Marketing.
“Working closely with students, I see how eager they are to learn about different careers,’ mentioned Jo-Anne Lucia, Youth Initiative Specialist at Sikorsky Credit Union.
“Our presentation gave students clarity and insight that can help them make decisions down the road.” Vicki Priddle, Business Education teacher, was very enthusiastic about this event. “All of our presenters helped make Bunnell High School's 2nd Annual Career Day a HUGE success. This program allowed students an opportunity to explore possible careers and make educated decisions regarding secondary academic and elective course enrollment, post-secondary plans and eventually careers.”