It Takes a Region:

June 11, 2020: Mt. Sinai, New York: Did you know that almost 3,000 jobs went unfilled in the manufacturing industry right here on Long Island? (According to Patrick Boyle of Ignite LI.) Did you know that this is referred to as the “Silver Tsunami?” Who will take the place of an aging workforce in this growing industry?

The PTech and pre-manufacturing students at Uniondale High School received an online lesson from Equity First Foundation that most high school students never have an opportunity to experience—virtual interviews with presidents, CEO’s and owners of manufacturing companies here on Long Island. We thank the following business leaders for their dedication to their companies and their recognition that the future of their industry lies in a future workforce that needs to learn as much about these opportunities now to keep them interested and excited about their future manufacturing career.

Charles Razenson, Owner, Unique Impressions

Ralph Rosenbaum, President, Stainless Steel Products

Robert Kufner, President and CEO, SDP/SI Designatronics

Kris Derrig, President, Action Machined Products, Inc.

Michael Todisco, Apprenticeship Connections & Consultants Corp.

Patrick Boyle, Executive Director, Ignite LI

The company that created the professional video logistics to create a lesson that is not only appealing, but technologically savvy is John Richardson, Quick-Cast Productions and EFF Board Member. We appreciate his dedication to our mission, and his time and expertise in fulfilling our vision for this important lesson.

These programs and others are being supported through the Perkins Grant by Nassau BOCES, and are available to consortium school districts only through this school year. Schools have no monetary outlay, and Equity First Foundation is ready to deliver these and other lessons for the next month to all Nassau County high schools.

Even during these unprecedented times, Equity First Foundation is dedicated to enriching students’ educational programs through these important virtual financial literacy lessons. Thank you to Uniondale High School administration and educators for their dedication to quality education and innovative student learning. As per Rhonda Hurdle-Taylor, Acting Superintendent, “We are grateful to have had access to the Perkins Grant to provide this important additional financial literacy to our scholars.“

We will continue to reach out to provide online and virtual workshops that span the educational audience from K-post-secondary, the corporate world (from small to large), and community service organizations (other non-profits). Our work is crucial to the short and long-term goals of individuals from all walks of life and in all situations. This includes helping children learn about money through senior citizens learning about estate planning…and everyone in between. We are always seeking industry professionals who would like to get involved. Join us in this crucial cause!

If you would like more information about financial literacy and education or to participate in programs/events, please contact Rhonda Klch at 631-714-4822x102, rhonda@equityfirstfoundation.org or Lisa Strahs-Lorenc at 631-714-4822x110 --lisa@equityfirstfoundation.org.