Three Harrisburg High School seniors receive laptops from PSECU in support of future success
HARRISBURG, PA (May 15, 2019) — Last week, the three graduating senior participants of the School of Business & Industry (SBI) Prep Program at Harrisburg High School, a rigorous course of study designed to prepare high-performing students with real-world business know-how and experience, were each awarded a laptop, carrying bag, Microsoft Office license, and printer to help them on their journey toward future success. Given by PSECU, Pennsylvania’s largest credit union, the resources were presented to the students at the program’s annual year-end awards dinner and induction ceremony held at the Harrisburg Hilton.
“The aim of the SBI program is to orient students to the real world of business and industry by teaching them basic but essential concepts, while at the same time developing and enhancing academic and life skills that are fundamental to their success,” said Cynthia Spencer, Instructor and Facilitator of the SBI program. “Our ultimate goal is to produce scholars who will be better prepared for the future and who will be able to meet the demands of our highly competitive society. The resources that PSECU provides to program graduates bolster our efforts to position the students for ongoing excellence.”
The SBI program at Harrisburg High School was initiated in 1991 in partnership with Florida A&M University as a competitive, innovative course of study for students in grades 9 through 12. It provides students with exposure to the real world of business and preparation for post-high school challenges and opportunities. Developed for the school’s high achievers, the program requires participants to maintain a 3.0 grade point average or higher while matching rigorous expectations in academic, theory, community work, and hands-on experiences.
The program’s elements include mentoring, field trips, job shadowing, internships, guest speakers, career forums, and networking opportunities aimed at maximizing scholars’ success beyond high school.
This year’s graduating seniors who participated in the SBI program at Harrisburg High School include:
- Jeffrey Chisholm-Wilkerson, who plans to pursue further education in plumbing technology at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
- Hailei Nguyen, who plans to pursue further education in culinary arts at Walnut Hill College
- Iyanna Puglia, who plans to pursue further education in business, specializing in marketing, at Shippensburg University
“At PSECU, we follow a digital-first model, meaning that we don’t invest in branches on every corner but rather in digital technologies that allow our members to manage their finances whenever and however they want from their mobile device, phone, or computer. We believe in the power of technology because we’ve seen how it has improved the service we provide our more than 450,000 members, and we know it will have many benefits for the graduates of Harrisburg High’s School of Business & Industry Prep Program, too,” said PSECU Vice President of Human Resources Cathy Tama-Troutman, who spoke at the event. “We’re so pleased to have the opportunity to share these technology resources with Jeffrey, Hailei, and Iyanna. We wish them success in their educational pursuits and future endeavors.”
A longtime supporter of the SBI program at Harrisburg High School, PSECU has provided laptops to graduating scholars for more than 15 years. This year’s laptop and technology contribution totaled $5,681.94.
“Credit unions like PSECU follow the ‘people helping people’ philosophy. We believe in working for the betterment of our members and non-members alike – to make our communities stronger through things such as financial education, volunteer work, and support of worthy causes like Harrisburg High School’s SBI program and its graduates,” explained Kim Gorham, PSECU Director of Staff Services and SBI Advisory Board member. “We’re proud to play a part in preparing local students for their post-graduation plans, and we wish them all the best.”
PSECU VP of Human Resources Cathy Tama-Troutman presents laptops to the 2019 graduates of
Harrisburg High School’s School of Business & Industry prep program at a year-end awards dinner on May 10.
About PSECU
Opened in 1934, PSECU was founded by 22 ordinary people who pooled $90 and made an extraordinary commitment to each other: To create a financial institution where collective resources benefit all members. Today, PSECU continues that legacy as Pennsylvania’s digital-first credit union, with $8 billion in assets, an economic impact of over $700 million, more than 590,000 members, and a convenient anytime, anywhere banking model. For more information about PSECU, visit psecu.com. PSECU has been recognized as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes, a Best Credit Union by GOBankingRates, a Best Bank by Money.com, and one of America’s Best Banks by Newsweek. View its Year In Review to learn how PSECU contributes to the greater good.
About Harrisburg School District
The Harrisburg School District is committed to providing a rigorous and relevant education to all students in a learning environment that fosters high expectations and data driven, standards aligned instruction provided by committed, highly qualified teachers. We aim to empower all students to become high academic achievers and lifelong learners who are motivated and prepared to compete and succeed beyond high school graduation in 21st Century global markets.
About Harrisburg High School SBI
The School of Business & Industry Honors Prep Program is a partnership between Florida A&M University’s School of Business & Industry and the Harrisburg School District/Harrisburg High School. The goal of the SBI Honors Prep Program is to orient potentially high–achieving students to the world of business and industry. Students learn business concepts and enhance and develop skills that are fundamental to their academic, personal, and professional success. With the assistance of PSECU and the business community, one of SBI’s major accomplishments includes granting more than $240,000 in scholarships to students in its twenty-two (22) graduating classes. The School of Business & Industry Honors Prep Program is a career pathway in the ROAR BizTech College and Career Academy. The ROAR BizTech College and Career Academy is an academic career program offering Harrisburg High School students the opportunity to explore a specific career path in Business, Industry, Finance, or Information Technology. Additional ROAR College and Career Academies include Arts, Communications & Media Technology; Health & Human Services, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).
