The State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment, in partnership with the Division of Banks and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, announced the 2024 recipients of the Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant. The agencies awarded grants to 59 schools, totaling $223,548. This funding will allow Massachusetts high schools and special education programs to host financial education fairs, known as Credit for Life Fairs, for their students. Of the 59 recipient schools, 15 received funding as Seed Applicants and will host fairs for the first time, including for students in Agawam, Cheshire, and Springfield.
For the first time in the program’s history, participating schools that have a large population of low-to-moderate income students will receive an additional $500. Ten schools received this additional funding to bring much-needed financial education to students in the state’s most vulnerable communities.
The recipients for Seed Grants:
— Agawam High School, $6200.
— Hoosac Valley High School, $6400.
— Veritas Preparatory Charter School, $6499.*
— West Springfield High School, $6400.
Innovation Grants:
— Mount Greylock Regional School, $1260.
Continuation Grants:
— Chicopee High School, $3700.*
— Frontier Regional High School, $3200.
— Hopkins Academy, $2500.
Veritas Preparatory Charter School and Chicopee High School requested additional funding due to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education low-income status.
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The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield has announced its networking events.
To learn more about Springfield YPS and its programming, visit https://www.springfieldyps.com/.
Upcoming events include:
YPS Leadership Luncheon: Finding Value in Others panel discussion with She’s Local on Tuesday, March 12, from noon to 1:15 p.m. at Springfield Public Library East Forest Park Branch at 136 Surrey Road, Springfield.
YPS March Third Thursday: Green Season Celebration with the West of the River Chamber on Thursday, March 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Irish House Restaurant & Trinity Pub at 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield. YPS members and guests should register through a link at https://www.springfieldyps.com/, while members of the West of the River Chamber should register thorough a link at https://business.ourwrc.com/events. This event is free for YPS members and $10 for nonmembers.
For more information, contact Meghan Rothschild at meghan@chikmedia.us or (413) 218-4994.
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Florence Bank has donated $4,000 to West Springfield to help support four events the city has planned in 2024 as part of its 250th anniversary festivities.
The bank’s backing of the West Springfield 250th Celebration specifically offers support for three 5K races, happening in March, July and November; a 250th Block Party on June 22 and 23, when Elm and Central streets will be closed for activities from dancing to vendors and food trucks, family photo sessions at historic town locations and a golf tournament in July.
Also part of the 250th events in 2024 are a black-tie ball in May, various ongoing public art projects and a Bright Nights display next winter.
Nikki Gleason, vice president/branch manager in West Springfield, said in addition to the financial support, bank staff will help man some of the events. The bank will be part of the family photo event on May 11 with photographer Branden Brus, who will capture portraits of interested families who sign up for sessions at a historic town location to be determined.
To learn more about West Springfield’s 250th, visit Westside250.com.
To volunteer or offer an idea, email Celebrate250@tows.org.
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Springfield Technical Community College is launching the Workforce Development IT Academy.
The academy will offer a series of programs aligning noncredit to credit pathways with multiple entry points for community members to access and join the workforce, with the first series focusing on the Pathway to Cybersecurity.
The Pathway to Cybersecurity courses will begin March 12. The training opens the door to a rewarding career in computer and information technology.
Classes will include a part-time option running three evenings a week for nine months. A summer and winter boot camp will be offered that runs for 10 weeks (full-time day program), which allows students to attend five days a week.
Cybersecurity training can lead to high-paying positions in the growing field of computer and IT security.
The cybersecurity classes are in-person and led by an instructor who will provide technical support with the students. Classes include fully simulated labs designed to teach students to solve real-world problems across the IT and cybersecurity industry.
To enroll, go to stcc.io/cybersecurity. Contact Workforce Development at STCC at 413-755-4225 or email workforcetraining@stcc.edu for more information.
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Gary Rome, on behalf of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, recently donated $109,000 to the Westfield Police Department for Cops for Kids with Cancer.
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Freedom Credit Union is collecting cash donations through March 30 at its branches throughout western Massachusetts to benefit Griffin’s Friends, a volunteer-led group dedicated to providing relief and support to children with cancer and their families.
All funds raised throughout the March Month of Giving campaign will benefit the Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund at Baystate Health Foundation, Inc. Established in 1994, Griffin’s Friends is named for Griffin D. Kelleher who passed away from cancer when he was 14 months old. This fund supports children in treatment for cancer and their families by providing small acts of kindness. Examples include trips to stage performances and sporting events; in-hospital and outpatient entertainment; massage therapy; and activities such as art, computers and games.
