Akron Public Schools (APS) and KeyBank announced the grand opening of the Financial Services Lab at East CLC supported by KeyBank Foundation. The goal of this lab is to give students access to real financial technology that would typically be found in a banking center. The Financial Services Lab was made possible by a grant awarded to the United Way of Summit County for Akron Public Schools by the KeyBank Foundation.
The Financial Services Lab is located inside East CLC and includes teller, loan officer and stock simulation stations. Students will be able to experience earning and managing KeyCash, a program developed by a team of APS teachers and administrators, with the advice and guidance of KeyBank staff. KeyCash is given to students in the Key Bank Academy of Business and Health Services for earning good grades or demonstrating positive behaviors and good citizenship. Students will be able to use their KeyCash to purchase items in the school store or to purchase experiences such as tickets to football games or prom. They will use their Financial Services Lab bank account to save their money and pay for purchases at a later date..
“KeyBank and KeyBank Foundation have invested in our students, educators and schools in ways that are both supportive and inspirational,” said APS Superintendent David James. “True to the college and career academy model, the Financial Services Lab means that our students will make connections between their academic courses and the real world, helping them prepare the future.”
“The opening of the new Financial Services Lab at East CLC is a great milestone for the Akron Public Schools, KeyBank and the United Way of Summit County,” said Timothy Burke, KeyBank Northeast Ohio Market President. “We are proud of this transformative partnership that allows us to bring our financial wellness message to students and give them the tools they need to form good habits and be successful in their professional and personal lives.”
“The Financial Services Lab combines two things that are crucial to the long-term success of students – quality, hands-on learning experiences and education on how to build lasting financial empowerment,” said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit County. “KeyBank is making an investment that will pay off for this community through a higher-skilled workforce and stronger, more financially secure families.”
East CLC Campus Principal Vyrone Finney addressed his students by saying, “I want you to think about the phrase “good fortune.” It refers to when good things happen to someone and how it impacts their success. Thanks to the caring and generous spirit of many people, you have the good fortune to experience something that can change your future. I certainly hope you seize the opportunity.”