First Source FCU donates to support young entrepreneurs

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — First Source Federal Credit Union (FCU) recently awarded $5,000 to Mohawk Valley Community College Foundation, Inc. to support the college’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). 

This latest award brings First Source’s total financial support for the program to $30,000, since its inception 11 years ago. 

“MVCC and the YEA! program continue to amaze,” Pam Way, community relations supervisor at First Source FCU, said in a news release. “We’ve seen first-hand the skills, confidence, college these students gain. First Source gives back to the community in many facets, but education is always held in high regard at the credit union this is such a great way to educate through real-world business scenarios.”

YEA! is an after-school program for students in grades 6-12 that takes them through the process of starting and running their own businesses, transforming them into real and competent entrepreneurs. Students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, community members, and educators to develop ideas and goals, write business plans, pitch ideas to potential investors, obtain funding, develop their brand identity, and more.

The program’s goal is to help students embrace their passion and talents and launch a venture to develop a stronger and more diverse small business community in the region.

“MVCC Foundation is pleased and proud to continue this fantastic opportunity for students to become real life entrepreneurs with the continued support of First Source Federal Credit Union,” Deanna Ferro-Aurience, executive director of institutional advancement and the MVCC Foundation, said. “Exposing middle and high school students to the day-to-day tests and successes of running their own business is a valuable experience.”

MVCC has hosted the Young Entrepreneurs Academy for 11 years. The program is offered in 168 communities across America.

First Source Federal Credit Union serves more than 50,000 members with branches in New Hartford, South Utica, North Utica, Herkimer, and Rome.