The Mohawk Valley Community College Foundation, Inc., was awarded $5,000 from First Source Federal Credit Union to support the College’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). Since the inception of the program 11 years ago, First Source Federal Credit Union has committed $30,000 toward YEA! and its student entrepreneurs.
“MVCC and the YEA! program continue to amaze,” said Pam Way, Community Relations Supervisor at First Source. “We’ve seen first-hand the skills, confidence and knowledge these students gain. First Source gives back to the community in many facets but education is always held in high regard at the Credit Union. This is such a great way to educate through real-world business scenarios. We’re grateful to Michelle and her team for the time and effort put into this program.”
YEA! is an afterschool program that takes students in grades six through 12 through the process of starting and running their own businesses. This groundbreaking program transforms local middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. Students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, community members, and educators to develop ideas and goals, write business plans, pitch to potential investors, obtain funding, develop their brand identity, and more. The program’s goal is to help students embrace their passion, energy, creativity, and talents; launch a venture; and develop a stronger and more diverse small-business community in the region.
“MVCC Foundation is pleased and proud to continue this fantastic opportunity for students to become real-life entrepreneurs, with the continued support of First Source Federal Credit Union. Exposing middle and high school students to the day-to-day tests and successes of running their own business is a valuable experience,” said Deanna Ferro-Aurience, executive director of institutional advancement and the MVCC Foundation.
For more information about YEA! or to register for the program, contact Michelle Truett via email at michelle@484design.com or by calling 315-534-0067.
About First Source Federal Credit Union
First Source Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution, serving members and our community since 1938. Originally founded as Utica Teachers Federal Credit Union, the name changed to First Source in 1992 to better reflect its broad and diverse membership. First Source provides financial solutions with a personal approach to build meaningful relationships with its members. First Source strives to help its members make smart financial decisions and help the community grow and thrive. First Source serves over 50,000 members with current branches in New Hartford, South Utica, North Utica, Herkimer, and Rome; a Member Care Contact Center, and online and mobile banking. Members have access to Interactive ATMs as well as over 30,000 nationwide surcharge-free ATMs. Connect with First Source and learn more at fsource.org, through Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.
About the Young Entrepreneurs Academy
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a groundbreaking program that transforms local middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. Through the year-long program, students in grades 6-12 generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their very own companies. YEA! is now in 168 communities across America. This is the 11th year that Mohawk Valley Community College has hosted the program in the greater Utica area. Learn more at www.mvcc.edu/yea.