ALBANY, N.Y.– SEFCU said it is partnering with Mastercard on a new education initiative that will promote and scale financial well-being and inclusion.
As part of the partnership, Mastercard will introduce SEFCU’s award-winning Institute for Financial Well-Being's free education webinars, active public event schedule, and opportunities for specially-tailored education programs – for private groups, nonprofits, and businesses – through its own financial education program, Master Your Card, the credit union said.
“This collaboration will provide greater access to free financial education classes for people of all ages, backgrounds, and learning styles,” SEFCU stated.
According to SEFCU, its “robust, convenient, and fun learning platforms help people grow their financial acumen, teaching important lessons about saving, budgeting, and planning for retirement.”
Joint Marketing Program
Through a joint marketing program, with content and dedicated events, SEFCU and Mastercard will focus on bringing this education to non-profits and schools specifically, the credit union added.
“Our partnership with Mastercard is SEFCU’s latest innovative effort to change lives every day. This collaboration will help us deliver knowledge, insight, and understanding about a myriad of financial-wellness topics to people in our community and across the world,” said SEFCU President and CEO Michael Castellana. “Providing people, especially those in underserved and underrepresented communities, with the tools necessary to make informed financial decisions and pursue positive habits will empower them to achieve economic stability and financial freedom. This is a huge win for everyone involved.”
A Shared Goal
SEFCU said Mastercard’s Master Your Card program is aimed at achieving financial inclusion for underserved communities and has collaborated and engaged with more than 120 community partners across the nation around one shared goal: “driving understanding of electronic payments technology through access to educational sessions and other resources.”
According to SEFCU, the new partnership will also help further the Institute for Financial Well-Being’s mission of guiding and encouraging individuals to focus on achieving economic stability and strength.
“SEFCU’s Institute for Financial Well-Being is committed to providing financial education to all, thereby empowering each individual to approach financial decisions from a position of knowledge to create good financial habits,” said Chief Community and Well-Being Officer Kathy Lanni. “We are thrilled to partner with Mastercard to meet individuals where they are and give them the tools and confidence they need to be on the path to financial well-being.”
Schedule of Events
SEFCU said its Institute for Financial Well-Being facilitates a rotating schedule of free, live, interactive learning events that cover practical knowledge and skills.
“Its content aligns with applicable New York State, common core, and national financial literacy learning standards for adults and youth. Materials and resources are rooted in evidence-based research and are designed to support individuals as they pursue their unique financial goals,” the credit union said. “Webinars are available in both 90- and 45-minute increments at various times of day to support a variety of scheduling needs.”