Hampton Bays High, Teachers Federal Credit Union Give Finance Lessons

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — With an eye toward arming students with fiscal tools, the Hampton Bays School District and Teachers Federal Credit Union have teamed up to establish a financial center at Hampton Bays High School.

The Baymen Financial Center, launched in partnership with Teachers Federal Credit Union, is a financial center established on school property that will provide students with access to an array of resources, including financial literacy, banking services for savings, deposits and withdrawals, and possible career pathways — all within the walls of Hampton Bays High School.

Utilizing $30,000 in grant funding from the New York State Legislature secured by New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, the district constructed a "modern and welcoming" banking space within the high school building, the district said. To ensure guaranteed access for all high school students, Teachers has committed the financial center to be staffed by a bilingual teller two days a week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"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 and their families," Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen said.

"At Teachers Federal Credit Union, we are committed to giving back to our communities, and we are thrilled to partner with the Hampton Bay School District to launch this on-school premises financial center," said Brad Calhoun, president and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union. "This initiative goes beyond banking services; we aim to empower the next generation with the essential skills for a financially secure future. We believe in not just serving our members, but actively contributing to the educational and financial wellbeing of the communities we serve."

The district has enhanced its financial literacy and money management curriculum through curriculum writing projects.

"In Hampton Bays, we strive to provide students with educational opportunities that enhance their academic, professional and personal growth inside and outside of a classroom," Clemensen said. "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."

Additionally, 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.

"As students plan for their future, many extracurricular costs are difficult or impossible for some families to afford," said Diane Fox, director of bilingual and alternative education, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Financial Center. "These costs can include class trips, college visits, prom tickets, college application fees, exam fees, and/or supplies for school or work. This partnership will provide students with an opportunity and plan to budget and use funds wisely for their high school and post-high school goals."