HARRISBURG, Penn.–Four graduating senior participants of the School of Business & Industry Prep Program at Harrisburg High School, a rigorous course of study designed to prepare high performing students with real-world business know-how and experience, were each awarded with a laptop, carrying bag, Microsoft Office license, and printer to help them on their journey toward future success by PSECU.
The resources were presented to the students at the program’s annual year-end awards dinner and induction ceremony held at the Harrisburg Hilton.
“The aim of the SBI program is to orient students to the real world of business and industry by teaching them basic but essential concepts while at the same time developing and enhancing academic and life skills that are fundamental to their success,” said Cynthia Spencer, Instructor and Facilitator of the SBI program. “Our ultimate goal is to produce scholars who will be better prepared for the future and who will be able to meet the demands of our highly competitive society. The resources that PSECU provides to program graduates bolster our efforts to position the students for ongoing excellence.”
The SBI program at Harrisburg High School was initiated in 1991 in partnership with Florida A&M University as a competitive, innovative course of study for students in grades 9 through 12. It provides students with exposure to the real world of business and preparation for post-high school challenges and opportunities. Developed for the school’s high achievers, the program requires participants to maintain a 3.0 grade point average or higher while adhering to rigorous academic-, theory-, community work-, and hands-on-experience-related expectations.
The program’s elements include mentoring, field trips, job shadowing, internships, guest speakers, career forums, and networking opportunities aimed at maximizing scholars’ success beyond high school.
“PSECU was an early adopter of technology resources. We don’t have a branch on every corner because we believe in giving members account access where it’s most convenient for them – in their living room, at the grocery store, while on vacation – anywhere and anytime. We use computer and mobile technologies to give our more than 430,000 members this round-the-clock account access,” said PSECU President Greg Smith. “We understand the positive impact technology can have and the doors of opportunity it can open. It’s our pleasure to share the resource of technology with the graduates of Harrisburg High’s School of Business & Industry Prep Program. We hope that these laptops and printers help them on their journey toward success.”
A longtime supporter of the SBI program at Harrisburg High School, PSECU has provided laptops to graduating scholars for more than 15 years. This year’s laptop and technology contribution totaled $6,994.68.
“Credit unions like PSECU follow the ‘people helping people’ philosophy. We believe in working for the betterment of our members and non-members alike – to make our communities stronger through things like financial education, volunteer work, and support of worthy causes like Harrisburg High School’s SBI program and its graduates,” explained Kim Gorham, PSECU Director of Staff Services and SBI Advisory Board member. “We’re proud to play a part in preparing local students for their post-graduation plans, and we wish them all the best in their endeavors.”