Events
Wake Tech Unveils SunTrust Foundation Center for Financial Education
RALEIGH, N.C. (March 13, 2013) – With college loan debt soaring nationwide, Wake Tech has partnered with the National Financial Educators Council to help students learn to manage funds and make sound fiscal decisions. With generous support from the SunTrust Foundation, Wake Tech has launched the Center for Financial Education, a comprehensive financial literacy initiative that will offer money management programs for students, employees, and members of the community.
The SunTrust Foundation has committed $35,000 to the Center, which will include financial empowerment workshops and special events for students throughout the year. Students can win a free iPad for participating in a fun Financial Scavenger Hunt and get to spend time in a booth full of cash at Spring Fling! The Center will offer panel discussions and financial information at public events, including Wake Tech’s annual Open House and workshops, will be offered as part of the college’s professional development program for employees. The centerpiece is an online learning center at www.waketech.edu/financial-education.
Two-thirds of the nation’s college students borrow money for their education without fully understanding the consequences; often they find themselves crippled with debt. The Center for Financial Education aims to help students avoid common pitfalls and become financially savvy, building skills for future success.
“Students have asked for this specifically,” said John Saparilas, Wake Tech’s Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management. “They recognize the need for money management skills, and this initiative is designed to help them build those skills. We want to help both current and prospective students take charge of their financial future.”
“SunTrust believes that access to financial education is essential to lifelong financial well-being, especially for students and young adults embarking on their peak earning years,” said David Stevens, Region President and CEO for SunTrust Central Carolina. “When people achieve this financial control of their future, it strengthens our local economy and improves the standard of living for our entire community. The SunTrust Foundation is delighted to partner with Wake Tech and the National Financial Educators Council as we strive together toward this important goal.”
Wake Tech and the National Financial Educators Council teamed up to develop the financial literacy campaign, which employs various workshops, promotions, and modern marketing techniques to reach a wide audience. Results will be gathered from surveys, testing, and student data throughout the first semester of the initiative to develop future programming that will be custom-designed to meet audience needs.
