Your Community College: A Unique Partnership Opportunity SFE&PD Conference October 22, 2013 Suzanne Matthews

Today I’ll Talk About: Overview of our local partnership, the Westchester Financial Education Alliance Why community colleges can be valuable partners in delivering financial education to the community. Westchester Financial Education Alliance Members

Westchester Community College Among the largest of the community colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system 14,000 enrolled/degree students 14,100 non-degree students Student demographics – Female 53%/Male 47% – Ethnicity: White 41% Hispanic 27% African American 20% Asian 4.5% Other 7.5%

Community College Student Profile Students represent a diverse population – Average age: 28 – Under 21 39% – Ages % – Age % 21% of full-time students employed full time 50% of full-time students employed part time 43% are first generation to attend college Source: American Association of Community Colleges

Funded by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, we provide a centralized platform for financial learning in Westchester County. Provides information, workshops and classes to students, faculty and the greater community to help them better manage their financial lives. Acts as a catalyst to involve other organizations in our area. Gateway Center at Westchester Community College

Our Mission: To create a community of financial learners through workshops, conferences and events that build skills around the basic money management and financial planning issues that confront adults of all ages.

Financial Education Day - March 2012 Free, open to the public – Keynote speaker: Jean Chatzky – 16 Personal finance workshops – One-on-one consultations – Over 250 participants – 19 sponsors & partners

Access to 50,000 alumni Access to local business Broad marketing outreach Volunteers Marketing & Publicity Ties to many local CBOs Financial professionals Speakers/Presenters Pro Bono Consultants Credit expertise Speakers/Presenters Diverse campus community Meeting facilities Communication Access to County government & elected officials.

Fall 2012: United Way’s Financial Helpline Super storm Sandy Emergency Helpline Winter 2013: Seminars at local library on basics of investing & retirement planning. Spring 2013: 2 nd Annual Financial Education Day conference

Financial Education Day – March 2013 Keynote speaker: Kiran Chetry, former CNN anchor and local media personality.

300 Participants

26 Workshops with special tracks for: Women’s Issues Seniors & Retirees Veterans/Service Members Spanish Speakers

30 Partners and Sponsors

Clear mission statement and agreement on program objectives. Understanding of what each partner can contribute. Members have complementary missions but do not compete as organizations. Involvement of senior leaders who can open doors in the community. Robust marketing and communication channels.

Thanks and Good Luck! Suzanne Matthews, Director Center for Financial and Economic Education Westchester Community College We are generously funded by a grant from the