Winter 2024 Newsletter

March 14, 2024
female student at desk in classroom

Helping Students Launch Careers in Financial Services

Did you know that only 6 percent of employees in the financial services industry are Black in Minnesota? This sector has a burgeoning number of jobs just waiting for Summit graduates. Read on for more information about the exciting new Financial Services training made possible by the Scaling Up for Greater Impact campaign. Plus, get additional Summit news.

Securing Employment in Financial Services

Summit Academy OIC unveils its groundbreaking Financial Services training this month to address a stark employment gap for residents and meet talent needs in Minnesota’s financial sector.

Designed alongside leaders in local financial institutions, this 20-week training will provide a fast track to entry-level roles in customer service, insurance, banking, mortgage or title companies, or other financial institutions. Students will learn real-world skills, gain an industry-certified credential through preparation for the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, and grow their network. 

Made possible through gifts to the Scaling Up for Greater Impact campaign, this key training will benefit our community by introducing deeper knowledge in financial matters and training employees for the financial services industry so that they can serve as role models.

DID YOU KNOW:
 

  • Financial occupations expected to grow 8 percent by 2030 in the US
  • 750,800 new jobs in financial services by 2030 in the US
  • 6% of financial services employees are Black in Minnesota
  • 29% of jobs in Minnesota are high school/GED only required
  • 43% of jobs in Minnesota are entry-level (0-2 years experience)

Since 2019, Ameriprise has partnered with Summit Academy OIC to share career possibilities with students from the IT Technical Support and Cybersecurity programs. Former Summit students whom we have hired 
continue to show a passion for learning and development. We look forward to expanding this partnership with the new Financial Services program as we anticipate student readiness for many other entry level roles.
—Pete Gennrich, Vice President, Service Contact Center, Amerprise Financial


THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR PARTNERSHIP IN THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES TRAINING:
 

Photo of Beau Zamora, Summit Academy IT graduate

Alumni Spotlight: Beau Zamora

Cybersecurity graduate Beau Zamora '22, found career success through a mock interview at the end of his training. He interviewed with representatives with Ostra and thought they were a good fit. Impressed with his background in music and technology along with his Summit training, the company created a paid internship for Beau, and just weeks later hired him as a Cybersecurity Suppport Analyst. Though he could have chosen a similar training program at high tuition rates, Beau chose Summit. The no-cost structure and corporate connections at Summit opened the door to a new career. "The training is 100% worth it," Beau says. "If I had to go back, I wouldn't change anything."

Constellation Fund Underscores High ROI

Your support for Summit Academy OIC leads to economic mobility for individuals, families, and our community. According to research conducted by the Constellation Fund, a local funder that invests in greater Twin Cities organizations that effectively combat poverty, Summit boasts an impressive cost-benefit ratio of $7.16:1. This means that every dollar invested in Summit yields a remarkable $7.16 in lifetime returns for our graduates.

Future earnings, career advancements, sustained employment, inflation, and wage growth factor into this calculation, emphasizing the lasting impact of your contributions.

Your investment goes a long way toward preparing students for a lifetime of success.

Volunteer in the Financial Services Training!

If you work in the financial services industry and are interested in serving in your community, we're looking for your help! Volunteer opportunities in the training program include:

  • Classroom guest speakers
  • Employers to provide site visits for our students
  • Mock interviews
  • Hiring fair participants

Can you help? Contact Melanie Wallwork at mwallwork@saoic.org to learn more.

Join Us in Expanding Opportunity

You can help create life-changing opportunities for students and families:

  • Give. Your donation provides tuition-free career training.
  • Hire. Partner with Summit graduates for meaningful careers.
  • Volunteer. Share your experience through mentorship, mock interviews, or classroom visits.

Every act of support helps build a thriving community where everyone has the chance to succeed.