ESL, MCC Offer Scholarship Program to Help Students Gain Banking, Financial Services Experience while Earning Degree
Applications are now open for the program that aims to create pathway to careers, strengthen workforce diversity
Rochester, NY — ESL Federal Credit Union and Monroe Community College announce the opening of applications for the fourth year of the ESL/MCC Scholars program, an earn-and-learn experience for students interested in banking and financial services careers, particularly those studying business and accounting.
The program offers paid internships, mentoring and additional financial support to students working towards an MCC associate degree. The program reflects MCC’s mission to inspire and offer college-to-career pathways to students and ESL’s commitment to build a pipeline of diverse talent for the financial services industry.
Interested MCC students may apply online through October 30, 2020 (www.esl.org/SCHOLARS) to be considered for the program. Qualified students must be enrolled full-time in an MCC business-related degree program during the Spring 2021 semester (majors within MCC’s School of Business & Entrepreneurial Studies will be considered), maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and be able to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Preference will be given to students from underrepresented backgrounds in the financial services industry.
Up to five students will be selected to participate in November, with orientation and training beginning in January 2021. Participating students will start in a part-time, paid teller position at ESL’s corporate headquarters or at a local branch, and receive a $1,000 scholarship for each semester they participate. Benefits also include professional skill development opportunities, mentoring and exposure to a variety of career paths. Students have the option to obtain academic credit for their work experience. Based on individual student needs, additional support provided by Single Stop at MCC will help students overcome barriers to success and maximize the learning experience.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer the fourth iteration of this scholars program collaboration between ESL and MCC,” said Maureen Wolfe, senior vice president/director, Human Resources & Community Impact, ESL Federal Credit Union. “Now more than ever, in the midst of this pandemic, we believe that the ability to provide students with financial assistance while also providing real-world work experience while completing their studies will be incredibly helpful to this cohort of scholars. We aim to provide the students with an abundance of professional experience and development while fulfilling their coursework, be it through their on-the-job responsibilities or access to mentorship opportunities throughout the organization.” Wolfe also serves as a director on the MCC Foundation Board of Directors.
“ESL Federal Credit Union has been a tremendous partner in support of Monroe Community College students,” said MCC Interim President Katherine P. Douglas, Ed.D. “For students who dream of careers in banking and financial services, the ESL/MCC Scholars Program directly complements their MCC education—providing opportunities to gain real-world experience that will open doors to rewarding careers.”
The long-term goal of the program is to retain the students upon graduation from MCC through either full-time employment at ESL or as they work part-time while pursuing their bachelor’s degree at a local institution (with help from ESL’s tuition reimbursement program).
Employees, board members and immediate family members (living in the same household as the ESL employee) of ESL, ESL Investment Services, LLC, ESL Trust Services, LLC and Cooper/Haims Advisors, LLC are not eligible for the program.
For more information, contact MCC’s Career and Veteran Services Office at 585.292.2248, jobsearch@monroecc.edu, or ESL at acollier@esl.org.
