KeyBank Supports Student Economic Security at HCC

Bridgeport, CT - The Housatonic Community College Foundation announced today that it has received a $10,000 grant from KeyBank Foundation to respond to the economic security needs of students. For the fifth year in a row, KeyBank will support the college’s Family Economic Security Program (FESP).

The FESP program helps approximately 50 low-income, single-mother students learn how to balance their educational and career goals, personal health and well-being, and provides a significant boost to their positive trajectory toward degree completion.

Through bundled service offerings, students participating in the FESP program receive resources and tools to advance their education, career and economic security. Achievement coaches provide academic, financial and life counseling, while students participate in workshops and activities, and receive career counseling.

“One of KeyBank’s philanthropic focus areas is providing students with opportunities to prepare for fulfilling careers through access to high-quality education and support for their academic success,” said Bradley Hardy, KeyBank Middle Market Relationship Manager and member of the Housatonic Community College Foundation board. “HCC’s Family Economic Security Program is positively impacting student success and graduation rates, and we are proud to support it with both funding and by bringing financial literacy education to its students.”  

FESP is a proven model of wrap-around intensive supports that helps students overcome barriers to persisting in their education. The one-year program equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive at Housatonic Community College (HCC) and into the workplace. Additionally, using a two-generation approach, the program normalizes higher education among all family members.

KeyBank also is the FESP financial literacy partner through their “Key@Work” financial wellness program, providing FESP students with tools and resources they need to achieve long-term financial success. Key@Work is a complimentary financial education program offered to businesses as a workplace benefit for their employees. The program includes customized group and online financial education workshops, access to personal banking tools and services, and individual financial counseling

“I am very excited to be part of such a beneficial program while I am completing not only short-term but long-term goals when it comes to academia and my finances. I work full time and have a hard time making in-person meetings, so I love the ease of the online workshops,” said HCC student and FESP participant Courtney Csech.

“Students in FESP are juggling earning an income and raising children as single parents while striving to advance their education. We are grateful to KeyBank for their generous support of these impressive women determined to improve their station in life for their families,” said Kristy Jelenik, Housatonic Community College Foundation Executive Director.

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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