Yonkers High Schoolers Gain Financial Knowledge

Yonkers students from Gorton High School are receiving some important financial literacy and career focused skills from creating and sticking to a budget to participating in mock job interviews with insight from finance and banking experts.

Over two dozen high school seniors traveled to Patriot Bank’s Scarsdale Branch, located at 495 Central Park Ave, for a “Day of Financial Literacy and Bank Career Mentoring” in conjunction with Westchester’s Junior Achievement Job Shadow Program.

High schoolers received a tour of the bank, experienced a live demonstration of the latest interactive live banker ITM machines, participated in mock financial job interviews and a financial literacy presentation led by Vice President/Branch Manager Kathleen M. Reilly.

Patriot Bank top executives including President Richard Muskus, Jr, and other leaders all helped to support this important learning initiative.

“Financial literacy is a crucial skill that young people should learn to master” said Patriot Bank President Richard Muskus, Jr. “Teaching the next generation ways to save and manage money is vital. Gone are the days of simply teaching children and teens to fill their piggy bank. Nowadays, people are using payment and budgeting apps to manage finances and Patriot Bank is dedicated to helping effectively prepare youth for a strong fiscal future.”

“In today’s global economy, it is crucial that students develop economic decision-making skills that will help them navigate the real world, plan for their financial futures and choose a rewarding career. These skills aren’t generally taught in New York’s classrooms, but thanks to corporate partners like Patriot Bank, who support our JA Job Shadow program, we can make a huge impression on young people as they learn about emerging careers in banking and what it takes to be successful in the work world,” said Joseph A. Peri, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of New York

“Learning from working professionals is vital,” said Kathleen M. Reilly. “Patriot Bank’s partnership with Junior Achievement is about helping to open the eyes of these high school students about careers in the banking and finance world and how to achieve financial success.”