The Hampton Bays School District is proud to announce that it officially cut the ribbon on the Baymen Financial Literacy Center at Hampton Bays High School during a ceremony on Feb. 29. In partnership with Teachers Federal Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the United States, the comprehensive bank-at-school program will provide students, faculty and staff with access to financial literacy resources and banking services – all within the walls of Hampton Bays High School.

“We are grateful to Teachers Federal Credit Union for their commitment of time, resources and financial expertise, all of which will greatly benefit our students, faculty, staff and their families,” said Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen. “This center will teach our students to plan and be prepared.”

“The opening of the Baymen Financial Literacy Center will empower students, faculty, and staff with tools and resources to make informed financial decisions,” added Inna Sprague, Chief Experience Officer for Teachers. “We are proud to play a role in helping the Hampton Bays community build strong financial foundations.”

Also speaking at the ceremony was New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele, who assisted in securing $30,000 in grant funding from the New York State Legislature for the initiative. He praised the district for its forward thinking, stating, “Learning to budget and save money are important skills in educating well-rounded students.”

David Frank, New York state’s assistant commissioner of education, also commended the district and its partnership with Teachers. “This is a moment of educational excellence,” he said. “This program is a testament to community partnerships and is investing in the future of students.”

As part of the initiative, Hampton Bays intends to set students up for success by enhancing its financial literacy and money management curriculum across all grade levels. Opportunities will also be provided for high school students to earn college credit through financial literacy learning.

“The incorporation of financial literacy into our curriculum will prove valuable for all students as they embark on their journeys into the workforce, college and other postgraduate roles in society,” said Clemensen.

To assist with planning, the district has developed the “Cost of the Student Experience,” a financial breakdown of anticipated costs throughout their four years of high school.

The initiative includes a modern and welcoming banking space within the high school building. To provide access to financial guidance and banking services for Hampton Bays High School students, staff and faculty, financial experts from Teachers will be available at the Student Financial Literacy Center two days a week.

All students opening an account through the new center at the school will be awarded $10 from the Art Jones Foundation.

The ceremony concluded with an official cutting of the ribbon and several students from the high school’s FBLA club making their first transactions at the center.

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Date Added: 3/4/2024