Students enrolled in the Business and Finance program at Akron Early College (AES) High School went to Towpath Credit Union for a field trip on Friday as part of a partnership between the high school and the credit union. AES partners with various businesses in the community to give students hands-on experience in their chosen field. The students in the Business and Finance program have an interest in pursuing a career in business, finance, or other related fields. “It was clear from the beginning that we wanted to engage with AEC students to provide them with hands-on, real-life experiences at Towpath,” commented Katie Lee, Vice President of Human Resources at Towpath CU. “A foundation for a healthy financial future starts with the basics, and we’re thrilled that we can share early on with the students to help them prepare for their future careers.”
On the field trip, students got to hear from Towpath CU employees, including President/CEO, Rose Bartolomucci. “I wanted to share my personal journey with the students because credit unions have played such an important role in my life,” said Bartolomucci. “My parents came from Italy to America in the 1960s with the goal of starting a small business – the American Dream! After being turned down by three different banks, they learned about the St. Anthony Credit Union. With a handshake and a promise to pay their $2,000 loan back, my parents were on their way to being business owners. This is why I believe so passionately about credit unions, they are people helping people.”
The field trip brought the students behind-the-scenes knowledge of what Towpath Credit Union does daily and how much collaboration goes into giving Members the best experience possible. Lee added, “Our hope is that through multiple engagements throughout the school year, the students will gain an in-depth knowledge of business and financial practices to better prepare them for their successful futures.”
