MCC, ESL Federal Credit Union Help Students Gain Banking, Financial Services Experience while Earning Degree
New Program Aims to Create Pathway to Careers, Strengthen Workforce Diversity
Brighton, NY — Monroe Community College and ESL Federal Credit Union announce a new earn-and-learn experience especially for business and accounting students interested in banking and financial services careers. The ESL/MCC Scholars program offers paid positions, 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.
Beginning today through October 31, 2017, interested MCC students may apply online (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 2018 semester, 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 2018. Participating students will receive a part-time, paid teller position at ESL’s corporate headquarters or at a local branch and receive $1,000 for each semester in which they participate (up to four semesters). 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’re very excited about this new ‘earn and learn’ scholars program that not only helps talented MCC students afford the cost of their college education, but also provides a unique employment pathway opportunity to those interested in a career in banking,” said Maureen Wolfe, senior vice president, Human Resources & Community Relations, ESL Federal Credit Union. “It’s a win-win for both the students and ESL.”
“The ESL/MCC Scholars program will undoubtedly inspire MCC business students and help them confirm their career interests and future goals,” said MCC Vice President of Student Services Lloyd Holmes, Ph.D. “We value and appreciate ESL Federal Credit Union’s interest and investment in our talented students as prospective employees.”
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). “We anticipate hiring a new cohort of five students annually to build a robust pipeline of prepared and high-potential diverse talent well positioned for success and long-term careers at ESL,” Wolfe added. Wolfe serves as a director on the MCC Foundation Board of Directors.
Employees, board members and immediate family members (living in the same household as the employee) of ESL, ESL Investment Services, LLC, and ESL Trust Services, 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 recruitment@esl.org.
