Future 5 Banks on Guiding Students to Success

Educational non-profit organization Future 5 and Patriot Bank have teamed up to present high school students with the opportunity to connect with coaches, business professionals and college students, to gain resources and experiences that will help motivate and transition them toward future careers.

For the second year, Patriot Bank is sponsoring the Future 5 graduation at the University of Connecticut, Stamford on Wednesday, June 5^th. There will be 51 seniors from 5 high Stamford high schools graduating from the program, earning over $1.7 million collectively in college scholarships.

“Patriot Bank plays an important role with the Future 5. The bank is an exceptional partner who takes a personal interest in supporting our students in a number of ways through career-focused workshops, and through mentoring and even hiring Future 5 students. They go above and beyond and we are tremendously grateful for their support, says Director of Development at Future 5, Diane Knetzger.

Future 5, based in Stamford, offers approximately 230 high school and college students services that include job and college preparation workshops, tutoring and community service. The tools it offers help guide students to their fullest potential, regardless of income or family circumstances.

“Patriot Bank takes great pride in helping advocate for students seeking knowledge to create a more successful life and career path. Providing resources for teenagers and young adults to have real interactions and conversations with college students and career professionals is important in helping them envision their potential and visualize career paths perhaps never considered,” says Patriot Bank Executive Vice President – Chief Compliance & Risk Officer, Judith Corprew.

Future 5 alumna Hermione Illaire is a showing example of the program’s impact. Through her Future 5 connection, she began working at Patriot Bank in the Small Business Administration lending department as an SBA Lending Assistant in February.

She is currently in her junior year at the University of Connecticut, studying business administration with a focus on finance. Illaire credits Future 5 for her continued successes as they awarded her with scholarships to get through Norwalk Community College and connected her with Patriot Bank.

“Patriot Bank practices what they preach in giving back to the community and influencing the next generations to build rewarding futures. I am grateful to my mentor, Judith Corprew, and to Future 5, who both have guided me to better opportunities”,” says Illaire.