WORCESTER MA - Worcester Credit Union (WCU) announced today that in partnership with Worcester Technical High School (WTHS) an agreement has been reached with Quinsigamond Community College (QCC). This agreement will provide college credits to WTHS students who complete coursework in conjunction with an internship at WCU.
Since the schools opening in 2006, offering real world experience has been a key component of studying at WTHS with 105 students in the schools finance and marketing program having the opportunity to become actual employees at WCUs WTHS branch.
"The students at our WTHS branch learn so much more than just how to cash a check," said WCU President and CEO Karen E. Duffy. "They are trained to understand all aspects of retail banking, including deposit and loan account features, compliance, along with what is expected of an employee in a professional setting. Our branch at the technical school serves not only faculty, staff and students at the school, but also the general public. These students acquire a true taste of the business world."
This opportunity is one that has been very successful for participating WTHS students, many of whom have gone on to regular employment at WCU and other local financial institutions. Duffy felt there had to be a way to recognize the significant training exercises and financial education these students undertook. Earlier this year, the credit union and WTHS collaborated on an effort designed to reward students who completed a WCU internship with valuable college credits at QCC.
"The Course Equivalency Articulation Agreement between QCC and WTHS is a great opportunity for students to complete high school course requirements while at the same time earning college credits," said Christina Hebert, QCC Manager of Educational Partnerships. "WTHS offers a Personal Finance course that runs for a full school year, meets all high school requirements, and includes a Worcester Credit Union Teller Internship. If students complete this course, meet the course criteria for acceptance, and enroll at QCC, they will automatically receive three QCC college credits for FIN 111-Personal Financial Planning, an elective within Business Administration.�The course examines the tools, terms, and applications necessary to successfully manage financial matters in daily life, including consumer credit, financial planning, money management and personal taxation."
"The Agreement with QCC to provide college credit will give these students a further stepping stone into their future," Duffy said, adding, "John Foisy, WTHS Finance and Marketing Department Head, was instrumental in bringing this program to fruition."
Each semester there are five students who intern at the WCU school branch, as well as two seniors who work at the branch through the schools co-op program, for a total of 14 students annually, according to WCU WTHS Branch Manager Christine Miller.
"This Agreement reflects both the commitment that Worcester Credit Union has made to serving young people in the community and its willingness to work with the academic community to craft imaginative and innovative programs," said Robert B. Kimmett, Senior Vice President, Marketing, MA Credit Union League.
Worcester Credit Union provides members with a full menu of financial services and products that offer excellent value. Its commitment to community service, coupled with its commitment to its members is unparalleled. For more information, visit
www.worcestercu.com and find out how to become a member.
