STA, at both the National and the Affiliate level, has long recognized the importance of providing opportunity and education to our younger generation, particularly those who have an interest in the financial services industry. With that in mind, STA is proud to announce Greenwood Project as its 2021 charity. Greenwood Project introduces Black and Latinx college and high school students to careers within financial services. Greenwood Project gives young people strong motivation to succeed in their remaining high school years and also provides a compelling reason to attend college.
Greenwood Project was founded in 2016 in Chicago, IL, by husband and wife team, Bevon and Elois Joseph, with just five students. Now a national organization with a footprint in New York, Boston and Denver, participation has grown to more than 350 students, despite a global pandemic. Greenwood Project students gain real-world experience, networking connections and unmatched exposure to the financial industry through paid summer internships and a rigorous training program. As a result, 75 percent of alumni are working full-time in financial companies.
Greenwood Project is funded in part by donations from firms within financial services and fintech. “Charitable giving has always been one of STA’s core principles,” says Andrew D’Amore, STA Chairman, “and we are proud to help support a worthwhile organization like Greenwood Project in its efforts to introduce students with diverse backgrounds to the securities industry.”
“Many STA member firms tell us they would like to hire more diverse employees. Many talented young people simply don’t know what career opportunities are available in financial services,” said Bevon Joseph, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Greenwood Project. “We step in the middle and broker that relationship, and we are so pleased to have STA as a strong partner in that process.”
STA will promote Greenwood Project in various ways throughout the year, and we look forward to welcoming them at our Annual Market Structure Conference in Washington DC this October. Find out more about Greenwood Project, including how to get involved, here.
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