Tag: 3BL

Traditional remediation methods have long focused on quick fixes like digging, dumping, and moving contamination elsewhere, but as environmental challenges grow and climate resilience, carbon footprint reduction, and long-term site stewardship become a priority, sustainable remediation is emerging as a smarter, more holistic approach to environmental remediation. In this Q&A, we hear from Jason Lagowski, Senior Consultant at Antea Group USA; and Gabriele Cerutti, Technology Leader Geologist at HPC Italy, to explore why sustainable remediation matters, what hurdles remain, and how collaboration and innovation are shaping the future of soil and groundwater cleanup.

 

Listen to the full podcast episode here.

 

Q&A

Q: Why is it so important to prioritize sustainable remediation practices? 

Gabriele (Italy):

Water and soil pollution is increasing dramatically and causes damage to the entire community. Many traditional technologies aim for quick intervention but often shift the problem or fail to fully consider recovery of environmental metrics. Modern sustainable remediation practices help reduce energy use, minimize waste, and support circularity across the project lifecycle. Sustainable remediation seeks to reduce consumption and enhance environmental metrics throughout the process. Every step of the project should achieve sustainable objectives.

Jason (USA):

We live on this planet, and personally, I’m a parent and a grandparent. I hope we’re smart enough to improve the environment for future generations. Doing it in a sustainable way just makes sense. It’s about improving outcomes, reducing long-term liability, and avoiding the “dig-and-dump” cycle that simply relocates contamination. It’s about better outcomes and improving quality of life, not moving a problem from one place to another.

 

Q: How do you define sustainable remediation, and how does it differ across regions?

Jason:

Sustainable remediation looks at reducing carbon footprint and using more passive, natural approaches—like in-situ methods and green chemistry to degrade contaminants in place. It’s about lifecycle cost and aiming for zero waste outcomes. In the U.S., there’s still reluctance because sustainable approaches can take longer, and there’s a myth they cost more. Education and data-driven decision-making are key to accelerating adoption.

Gabriele:

In Europe, especially Italy, traditional methods persist in industrial areas, but sustainable remediation is gaining ground in agricultural and public green sites. We see progress in codifying environmental and technical criteria for land recovery using biological technologies. Drivers include cost and the ability to reuse soil without transformation.

 

Q: What’s the cost of inaction if organizations don’t adopt sustainable methods?

Jason:

In the U.S., we have a concept called cradle-to-grave. If you dig something up and move it, your liability doesn’t stop. It can follow you. Treating contamination in place extinguishes liability once endpoints are achieved. Plus, sustainable approaches reduce long-term risk.

Gabriele:

The cost is carbon emissions and loss of soil conservation. We should move as far as possible from carbon-consuming interventions. Nature often gives us the solution, we just need to understand it.

 

Q: Are there emerging technologies we should watch?

Gabriele:

Phytoremediation is becoming one of the best solutions for certain sites, especially agricultural areas. It’s not without challenges, but it’s promising.

Jason:

Advancements in bacteria strains and fungi for bioremediation are exciting. For PFAS, we’re seeing linked technologies—separation, concentration, and destruction—that achieve zero waste outcomes. Innovation will continue to drive progress.

 

Key Takeaways

• Sustainable remediation reduces carbon footprint, protects human health and the environment, and supports circularity.
• Education and mindset shifts are critical to overcoming cultural and regulatory hurdles.
• Collaboration between stakeholders, universities, and global partners drives innovation.
• Emerging technologies like phytoremediation and PFAS destruction carry new potential.

 

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Wesco Anixter, in collaboration with the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP), proudly launched its Global Philanthropic Event Series this November, empowering young people across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. to explore the world of STEM. This initiative was made possible by Wesco’s VOICE business resource group program in collaboration with the sustainability team who collaborated to design a day focused on exposure to STEM fields that support the local community.

As part of this initiative, Wesco partnered with the Chesterfield FC Community Trust (CFCCT), a selected local charity, to host a special event for young people in Chesterfield, U.K. Fourteen young people visited the Wesco Anixter warehouse site in Bolsover, where they embarked on a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, engaged with a panel of speakers from Wesco Anixter, and participated in interactive STEM activities. The event also featured a shared lunch, fostering meaningful connections between organisers, panellists and attendees.

The panellists took the time to share insights from their own professional journeys, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning in shaping a successful career. They recounted key moments where overcoming challenges led to personal growth, and offered practical guidance tailored to young people preparing for their own futures. From stressing the value of staying curious and embracing new opportunities, to encouraging attendees to seek out mentors and develop a strong work ethic, the panellists provided inspiration and actionable advice to help students make informed decisions as they consider their future career paths.

Reflecting on the day, Dan Lynch, Wesco Anixter Vice President and General Manager – International Markets (EMEA and APAC) and event panellist, remarked, “It was truly inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity of the young people as they engaged with our team and explored the possibilities within STEM. The part we play in local community engagement is important and we hope we were part of sparking new ambitions today.”

During the visit, students were introduced to the cutting-edge robots used in the warehouse, learning firsthand about operational efficiencies and the exciting possibilities technology brings to the energy industry. “Our students had the opportunity to visit the warehouse and as I watched their faces throughout the day, they were totally engaged. I hope it’s given them the experience and confidence to really think about the world of work,” said Jayne Bacon, Head of Community at CFCCT. “The team at Wesco Anixter were so supportive and welcoming, showing a true connection with our community”. 

The Global STEM Event Series reflects Wesco’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders by providing youth with unique, hands-on experiences and opening doors to a diverse array of career pathways within their local communities.

About Wesco Anixter

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with more than $22 billion in annual sales and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, educational institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates nearly 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in more than 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

About CFCCT

Chesterfield FC Community Trust delivers life-changing programmes that support health, education, and wellbeing for people of all ages. From toddlers to older adults, from grassroots football to mental health support, our work is shaped by local need and driven by impact. We use the power of the Chesterfield FC badge to connect with our communities, create opportunity, and deliver over £5 million in social value each year.

About NGCP

The National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) is a United States–based network that brings together a wide range of youth-serving STEM programs. We believe that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills can be acquired by anyone and fostered in everyone. Our initiatives build confidence and cultivate a community of “lifelong STEM activators.” Through the power of collaboration, we spark curiosity and inspire a passion for STEM. NGCP also advances global participation through the Global Girls Collaborative, working to increase access and opportunities for youth in STEM worldwide. We provide resources that help organizations and girl-serving programs engage girls in STEM, strengthen partnerships, and improve evaluation and assessment practices.

PORTLAND, Ore., December 10, 2025 /3BL/ – The Global Electronics Council^® (GEC) today announced the launch of EPEAT^® 2.0, the next generation of the world’s leading ecolabel for sustainable electronics. Building on more than two decades of measurable impact, EPEAT 2.0 represents a major step forward to support the vast stakeholder community invested in responsible electronics, including significant updates to the underlying science-based criteria, reflecting today’s most urgent priorities.

Among other notable changes, EPEAT 2.0 now addresses not only the sustainability aspects of the products themselves, but also broader corporate commitments and value chain due diligence.

“EPEAT 2.0 represents the next evolution of leadership in responsible technology,” said Bob Mitchell, CEO of GEC. “By working together with a multi-stakeholder community, we’ve built on a solid foundation to create an innovative framework that accelerates measurable progress toward a more sustainable future. This system change dramatically widens EPEAT’s scope, impact and practical value for the organizations that rely on it every day.”

EPEAT 2.0 expands on the existing framework with a modular, harmonized approach that prioritizes impact. The updated criteria address sustainability consistently across product categories and focus on the most urgent environmental and social priorities, including:

• Climate: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain.
• Circularity: Accelerating design for reuse, repair and recycling while addressing packaging, water and waste.
• Chemicals of Concern: Eliminating toxic substances hazardous to human health and the environment.
• Responsible Supply Chains: Advancing fair labor practices, work health and safety, and responsible sourcing of materials.

EPEAT 2.0 has launched with registered products available from Dell Technologies, HP, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

“This update will make it easier for central procuring organizations like the Office of Government Procurement in Ireland to identify and source products that meet the sustainability goals of Irish Public Sector bodies,” said Fergal Ryan, Portfolio Manager ICT Procurement, Office of Government Procurement in Ireland.

Developed and operated by GEC, the EPEAT Program has long set the benchmark for environmental and social performance in electronics. In addition to the criteria updates, the transition to EPEAT 2.0 also includes a host of system updates to meet the needs of global purchasers, policy makers, and manufacturers committed to measurable sustainability outcomes, including an upgraded EPEAT registry and specific programs for retailers and supply chain partners.

EPEAT will enter a transition period during which products may be registered under both EPEAT 1.0 and EPEAT 2.0. Participating Manufacturers can continue registering new products to EPEAT 1.0 criteria until July 1, 2026. By July 1, 2027, all products listed on the EPEAT Registry will meet EPEAT 2.0 criteria, concluding the transition period.

Products registered under EPEAT 1.0 will remain visible on the EPEAT Registry throughout this period, ensuring uninterrupted access for purchasers and full transparency.

Developed through a balanced, multi-stakeholder consensus-based process, EPEAT 2.0 reflects the collaboration of manufacturers, scientists, sustainability advocates, government agencies, and institutional purchasers worldwide.

Visit epeat.net for more information on EPEAT 2.0 and to view registered products.

About the Global Electronics Council

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) envisions a world with only sustainable electronic technology that enhances the well-being of people and planet. Our mission is to accelerate the transformation of markets toward prioritizing the most sustainable electronic products and services.

As stewards of the EPEAT ecolabel, we set global standards for electronics that empower brands, their value chains and their buyers to achieve ambitious sustainability goals. Through our thought leadership, advocacy, and EPEAT ecolabel, GEC is helping to reshape the electronics industry into a driving force for environmental preservation and global well-being.

Our EPEAT Ecolabel

We are stewards of the EPEAT ecolabel, the definitive global standard to drive change across the technology sector from extraction to end of life. EPEAT enables manufacturers to follow strict third party verified standards while providing transparency for buyers.

Since its launch in 2006, procurement professionals have reported purchases of over 2.7 billion EPEAT products, generating cost savings exceeding 34 billion USD and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 341 million metric tonnes.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Erik Fessler 

Senior Manager, Global Communications 
+1.971.380.4088
efessler@gec.org

KeyBank has named Olivia Walters corporate responsibility officer for the Hudson Valley/Metro NY and Eastern Pennsylvania markets. In this position she will oversee KeyBank’s philanthropic budget and investment strategies to meet community needs, as well as create and maintain relationships with community-based nonprofit organizations. Walters also will oversee KeyBank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance goals throughout the region.

Previously, Walters served as director of programs at All Star Code, leading national community engagement strategies to close the digital divide and increase access to technology and leadership development for young men of color. She has also worked as vice president of programs for The Steinman Foundation.

“Olivia’s dedication to community and passion for driving measurable impact make her an ideal fit for this position,” said Mattie Jones Hollowell, regional corporate responsibility officer, KeyBank. “KeyBank is committed to responsible banking and investing in the communities we proudly call home. I am thrilled to have Olivia bring her significant expertise to lead and expand KeyBank’s community outreach efforts.”

An active member of her community, Walters serves on the board of CHI Saint Joseph Children’s Health, where she contributes to strategies that enhance health outcomes for children and families through community partnerships.

The PSEG Foundation was recently honored with the Spirit of Edison Corporate Community Leader Award from Thomas Edison State University, recognizing 30+ years of support for military and veteran students. 

The PSEG Foundation is proud to continue that support by helping increase scholarships and support new course development in nuclear energy engineering technology, assisting students transitioning into high-demand civilian careers. 

To all military and veteran students, thank you for your service.

View original content here.

The PSEG Foundation was recently honored with the Spirit of Edison Corporate Community Leader Award from Thomas Edison State University, recognizing 30+ years of support for military and veteran students. 

The PSEG Foundation is proud to continue that support by helping increase scholarships and support new course development in nuclear energy engineering technology, assisting students transitioning into high-demand civilian careers. 

To all military and veteran students, thank you for your service.

View original content here.

As India undergoes rapid digital transformation, the opportunities are immense — but so are the risks. Cybercrime losses exceeded ₹1,750 crore in the first four months of 2024 alone. ^[1] While India requires at least one million cybersecurity professionals, its current workforce is less than half that number. ^[2] This makes it paramount not only to equip citizens with knowledge on how to stay safe online, but also to train the cybersecurity workforce India urgently needs.

This is the challenge that sits at the heart of the partnership between Cisco and the NIIT Foundation, an India-based nonprofit focused on education and skill development that helped us positively impact 50 million people in India. Since 2008, Cisco and NIIT Foundation have partnered on initiatives that bridge the digital divide, including various training programs for India’s youth. Building on this strong foundation, in 2022, we launched a flagship initiative: Cyber Suraksha.

A multipronged approach to cyber safety

Aligned with Cisco’s strategy to leverage technology and partnerships to tackle critical needs in education and economic development, the Cyber Suraksha program aims to build widespread knowledge on cyber safety while training young people for cybersecurity careers. The program — designed as a comprehensive response to India’s escalating cybersecurity challenges — is structured around three key courses:

• Cyber Awareness: A 20-hour foundational program for ages 13+ covering personal online safety and protection against cyber threats like identity theft, cyber-bullying, and fraud.
• Cyber Smart: An advanced course for college students interested in cybersecurity and preparing for careers in the field.
• Cyber Workforce: A comprehensive, employability-focused program designed to train individuals for roles in the cybersecurity industry.

Cyber Suraksha’s impact by the numbers

Over a three-year grant period (2022–2025), Cyber Suraksha pursued an ambitious vision: training one million individuals across India in cybersecurity skills and awareness. By March 2025, the program had surpassed that goal across its three courses, demonstrating the curriculum’s effectiveness and the widespread demand for accessible digital safety training.

The program’s impact has been both wide-reaching and inclusive, spanning communities often left behind in tech education. With more than 40% female participation, the program is helping to reshape a field where women are often underrepresented globally. Furthermore, participants who found employment after completing the program saw their family incomes rise by an average of 39% over a three-year period, highlighting how digital skills and cybersecurity training can directly contribute to economic mobility.

Real lives, real impact: Stories from the Cyber Suraksha program

While the statistics tell a powerful story of scale, the true impact of Cyber Suraksha is best understood through the lives it has transformed. Rehana, a 31-year-old trans woman and community advocate from New Delhi, noticed that her community was particularly susceptible to cyber threats due to a lack of awareness. “The Cyber Suraksha initiative empowered me to recognize and respond to cyber threats,” she explained. “I developed essential cybersecurity skills through mentorship and practical experience.” Today, she’s passionate about raising cyber awareness and works to help her community protect themselves online.

Personal experiences with cyber fraud motivated both Apurba, a 25-year-old computer application graduate from rural West Bengal, and Anand, a 50-year-old yoga teacher from Delhi, to enroll in Cyber Suraksha. Both had been targeted by online scams, from unauthorized bank transactions to email breaches. “The courses provided me with advanced skills and a strong theoretical foundation,” Apurba shared, crediting the program with preparing him for his career. For Anand, the training offered something equally valuable: “The Cyber Suraksha program greatly enhanced my understanding of fraud tactics and how to prevent them.” Today, Apurba works in cybersecurity while Anand actively raises awareness about cyber safety in his community.

The partnerships advancing cybersecurity in India

Cyber Suraksha’s success reflects the strength of the partnership between Cisco and NIIT Foundation. Together, we’ve reached underserved populations — from rural youth to older adults — equipping them with skills that open pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

Achieving this scale required partnerships at every level: more than 500 colleges, 129 NGOs, and 3,000+ government schools across 27 states and five union territories provided grassroots access and local insight. Technology platforms for project management, impact tracking, and AI-driven learning enabled the program to adapt quickly and personalize content. NIIT Foundation’s community networks combined with Cisco’s technology infrastructure created a depth of impact that neither of us could have achieved alone.

Looking ahead toward a digitally resilient future

The journey doesn’t end here. Building on Cyber Suraksha’s success, Cisco and NIIT Foundation are launching Cyber Suraksha Plus to reach an additional 2.7 million people over the next three years. The initiative will maintain its focus on reaching all learners, aiming for 40% female participation, and will expand into artificial intelligence training alongside cybersecurity.

Through multiple delivery channels — instructor-led sessions, train-the-trainer models, and self-paced platforms like the Learn@NIITFoundation app — the program will extend its reach into even more remote areas and vulnerable communities. Strengthened partnerships with government institutions, colleges, and grassroots organizations will enable sustainable, cost-effective delivery at scale.

The stories of Rehana, Apurba, Anand, and one million others prove what’s possible when technology, education, and partnership come together. As Cisco and NIIT Foundation continue this work, we’re not just building cybersecurity skills — we’re creating pathways to opportunity and contributing to a more secure digital future for all of India.

Learn more about Cisco’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts in India.

View original content here.

As India undergoes rapid digital transformation, the opportunities are immense — but so are the risks. Cybercrime losses exceeded ₹1,750 crore in the first four months of 2024 alone. ^[1] While India requires at least one million cybersecurity professionals, its current workforce is less than half that number. ^[2] This makes it paramount not only to equip citizens with knowledge on how to stay safe online, but also to train the cybersecurity workforce India urgently needs.

This is the challenge that sits at the heart of the partnership between Cisco and the NIIT Foundation, an India-based nonprofit focused on education and skill development that helped us positively impact 50 million people in India. Since 2008, Cisco and NIIT Foundation have partnered on initiatives that bridge the digital divide, including various training programs for India’s youth. Building on this strong foundation, in 2022, we launched a flagship initiative: Cyber Suraksha.

A multipronged approach to cyber safety

Aligned with Cisco’s strategy to leverage technology and partnerships to tackle critical needs in education and economic development, the Cyber Suraksha program aims to build widespread knowledge on cyber safety while training young people for cybersecurity careers. The program — designed as a comprehensive response to India’s escalating cybersecurity challenges — is structured around three key courses:

• Cyber Awareness: A 20-hour foundational program for ages 13+ covering personal online safety and protection against cyber threats like identity theft, cyber-bullying, and fraud.
• Cyber Smart: An advanced course for college students interested in cybersecurity and preparing for careers in the field.
• Cyber Workforce: A comprehensive, employability-focused program designed to train individuals for roles in the cybersecurity industry.

Cyber Suraksha’s impact by the numbers

Over a three-year grant period (2022–2025), Cyber Suraksha pursued an ambitious vision: training one million individuals across India in cybersecurity skills and awareness. By March 2025, the program had surpassed that goal across its three courses, demonstrating the curriculum’s effectiveness and the widespread demand for accessible digital safety training.

The program’s impact has been both wide-reaching and inclusive, spanning communities often left behind in tech education. With more than 40% female participation, the program is helping to reshape a field where women are often underrepresented globally. Furthermore, participants who found employment after completing the program saw their family incomes rise by an average of 39% over a three-year period, highlighting how digital skills and cybersecurity training can directly contribute to economic mobility.

Real lives, real impact: Stories from the Cyber Suraksha program

While the statistics tell a powerful story of scale, the true impact of Cyber Suraksha is best understood through the lives it has transformed. Rehana, a 31-year-old trans woman and community advocate from New Delhi, noticed that her community was particularly susceptible to cyber threats due to a lack of awareness. “The Cyber Suraksha initiative empowered me to recognize and respond to cyber threats,” she explained. “I developed essential cybersecurity skills through mentorship and practical experience.” Today, she’s passionate about raising cyber awareness and works to help her community protect themselves online.

Personal experiences with cyber fraud motivated both Apurba, a 25-year-old computer application graduate from rural West Bengal, and Anand, a 50-year-old yoga teacher from Delhi, to enroll in Cyber Suraksha. Both had been targeted by online scams, from unauthorized bank transactions to email breaches. “The courses provided me with advanced skills and a strong theoretical foundation,” Apurba shared, crediting the program with preparing him for his career. For Anand, the training offered something equally valuable: “The Cyber Suraksha program greatly enhanced my understanding of fraud tactics and how to prevent them.” Today, Apurba works in cybersecurity while Anand actively raises awareness about cyber safety in his community.

The partnerships advancing cybersecurity in India

Cyber Suraksha’s success reflects the strength of the partnership between Cisco and NIIT Foundation. Together, we’ve reached underserved populations — from rural youth to older adults — equipping them with skills that open pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

Achieving this scale required partnerships at every level: more than 500 colleges, 129 NGOs, and 3,000+ government schools across 27 states and five union territories provided grassroots access and local insight. Technology platforms for project management, impact tracking, and AI-driven learning enabled the program to adapt quickly and personalize content. NIIT Foundation’s community networks combined with Cisco’s technology infrastructure created a depth of impact that neither of us could have achieved alone.

Looking ahead toward a digitally resilient future

The journey doesn’t end here. Building on Cyber Suraksha’s success, Cisco and NIIT Foundation are launching Cyber Suraksha Plus to reach an additional 2.7 million people over the next three years. The initiative will maintain its focus on reaching all learners, aiming for 40% female participation, and will expand into artificial intelligence training alongside cybersecurity.

Through multiple delivery channels — instructor-led sessions, train-the-trainer models, and self-paced platforms like the Learn@NIITFoundation app — the program will extend its reach into even more remote areas and vulnerable communities. Strengthened partnerships with government institutions, colleges, and grassroots organizations will enable sustainable, cost-effective delivery at scale.

The stories of Rehana, Apurba, Anand, and one million others prove what’s possible when technology, education, and partnership come together. As Cisco and NIIT Foundation continue this work, we’re not just building cybersecurity skills — we’re creating pathways to opportunity and contributing to a more secure digital future for all of India.

Learn more about Cisco’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts in India.

View original content here.

Originally published by CT Insider

By Marissa Weidner
November 28, 2025

Walking through the halls of Stamford High School I noticed displays of student art, placards celebrating graduates and murals extolling team spirit. Go Black Knights!

Outside, students worked with cameras for a photography class and inside classrooms there was a quiet hum of learning.

The three Rs: Reading, Writing, and aRrithmetic.

Now, though, more classrooms are bringing in another foundational basic, financial literacy, which has taken on a greater sense of immediacy and meaning to me as a mother of two sons.

Why? In casual conversations with my boys, I found that both are missing a key understanding of issues such as how credit scores work, the importance of fully paying down a credit card balance each month and getting the most out of what, for many of us, is one of the most important investments we’ll make: college.

On one occasion, one of my boys said “I know all I need to know about finance. As long as I make minimum credit card payments, I am good.” He was focused on preserving his credit score, but didn’t realize the mechanics of a credit card’s annual percentage rate, or APR, and that just getting by with minimum payments can erode hard earned savings.

Another conversation involved colleges. After my son drew up a list of schools that sparked his interest, I asked him to look up the cost of tuition, including room and board and other expenses. He was astonished at the total costs. I then suggested to him that he should consider the average salary for what he plans to take on as a career. “Since you will be contributing to tuition payments, do you think spending that money is a good return on your investment?” He soon came back with a different list of schools.

Often, conversations about finances may be awkward and it’s easy to assume that if our children have a basic understanding of the value of a dollar we can stop there. But there’s more to learn and it takes on greater meaning in today’s economy. While we might run the risk of an eye roll, there are opportunities to share teachable moments when sitting around the kitchen table or on a car ride to team practices as schools build out curriculum to fulfill statewide financial literacy requirements.

Ideally, over time these conversations about money between students and parents, and reinforced in schools, will lead to financial empowerment. Financial literacy will serve you in all stages of your life. You’ll need it to understand your budget for money earned at an after-school job. You will use it when moving out on your own and deciding on a career, if you start a family and, eventually, as you plan for retirement.

Which brings me to why I was at Stamford High School on a fall morning. I was there to announce Webster Bank’s three-year, $300,000 grant for Connecticut Financial Scholars. Stamford High School is an early adopter of this program which has been effective in Philadelphia, another school district in the country that has a Financial Scholars program.

This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to bolster financial literacy statewide and I am proud of the support Webster Bank, as lead sponsor, is offering for programming and training. This includes curriculum and paid teacher professional development for in-school financial literacy education, investing enrichment, paid summer workforce development for teens and adult workshops in the school community for parents and families.

Connecticut Financial Scholars is targeting 25 school partnerships in school year 2025-2026 and 75 schools for the following fiscal year.

You may ask, why is Webster doing this? What’s in it for us? This grant is part of a larger series of efforts that reflect our commitment to advancing financial literacy, a core philanthropic pillar at Webster Bank which opened its doors 90 years ago. Other efforts to support financial empowerment include our Finance Lab initiative designed to help nonprofit partners in LMI communities create opportunities for young people to gain skills needed for economic empowerment and financial success, and support of multiple Junior Achievement chapters. We understand the importance of financial literacy and the organizations we support know how to create programs and experiences with a unique approach to financially empower students.

As of this month, 30 U.S. states now require a personal finance course for high school graduation, according to Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit advocating for personal finance education. Connecticut began requiring it in 2023 and a Webster Bank survey that year found that 84% of consumers feel middle and high schools should invest more in financial education. Only a third of that survey’s respondents, which included lower- and middle-income consumers from Connecticut, said they feel fully in control of their financial future.

I could tell the students at Stamford High School were engaged and interested in learning more about taking control of their finances and their teachers were thrilled to get extra resources.

But we can’t stop here.

If you’re a parent, educator, business or community leader, I encourage you to find out about existing programs, teacher training, and partnerships. Talk to your kids about money. Be a positive influence. Together, we can ensure every student completes high school with the ability to make informed financial decisions and build a secure future.

Marissa Weidner is executive vice president and chief corporate responsibility officer at Webster Bank.

Originally published by CT Insider

By Marissa Weidner
November 28, 2025

Walking through the halls of Stamford High School I noticed displays of student art, placards celebrating graduates and murals extolling team spirit. Go Black Knights!

Outside, students worked with cameras for a photography class and inside classrooms there was a quiet hum of learning.

The three Rs: Reading, Writing, and aRrithmetic.

Now, though, more classrooms are bringing in another foundational basic, financial literacy, which has taken on a greater sense of immediacy and meaning to me as a mother of two sons.

Why? In casual conversations with my boys, I found that both are missing a key understanding of issues such as how credit scores work, the importance of fully paying down a credit card balance each month and getting the most out of what, for many of us, is one of the most important investments we’ll make: college.

On one occasion, one of my boys said “I know all I need to know about finance. As long as I make minimum credit card payments, I am good.” He was focused on preserving his credit score, but didn’t realize the mechanics of a credit card’s annual percentage rate, or APR, and that just getting by with minimum payments can erode hard earned savings.

Another conversation involved colleges. After my son drew up a list of schools that sparked his interest, I asked him to look up the cost of tuition, including room and board and other expenses. He was astonished at the total costs. I then suggested to him that he should consider the average salary for what he plans to take on as a career. “Since you will be contributing to tuition payments, do you think spending that money is a good return on your investment?” He soon came back with a different list of schools.

Often, conversations about finances may be awkward and it’s easy to assume that if our children have a basic understanding of the value of a dollar we can stop there. But there’s more to learn and it takes on greater meaning in today’s economy. While we might run the risk of an eye roll, there are opportunities to share teachable moments when sitting around the kitchen table or on a car ride to team practices as schools build out curriculum to fulfill statewide financial literacy requirements.

Ideally, over time these conversations about money between students and parents, and reinforced in schools, will lead to financial empowerment. Financial literacy will serve you in all stages of your life. You’ll need it to understand your budget for money earned at an after-school job. You will use it when moving out on your own and deciding on a career, if you start a family and, eventually, as you plan for retirement.

Which brings me to why I was at Stamford High School on a fall morning. I was there to announce Webster Bank’s three-year, $300,000 grant for Connecticut Financial Scholars. Stamford High School is an early adopter of this program which has been effective in Philadelphia, another school district in the country that has a Financial Scholars program.

This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to bolster financial literacy statewide and I am proud of the support Webster Bank, as lead sponsor, is offering for programming and training. This includes curriculum and paid teacher professional development for in-school financial literacy education, investing enrichment, paid summer workforce development for teens and adult workshops in the school community for parents and families.

Connecticut Financial Scholars is targeting 25 school partnerships in school year 2025-2026 and 75 schools for the following fiscal year.

You may ask, why is Webster doing this? What’s in it for us? This grant is part of a larger series of efforts that reflect our commitment to advancing financial literacy, a core philanthropic pillar at Webster Bank which opened its doors 90 years ago. Other efforts to support financial empowerment include our Finance Lab initiative designed to help nonprofit partners in LMI communities create opportunities for young people to gain skills needed for economic empowerment and financial success, and support of multiple Junior Achievement chapters. We understand the importance of financial literacy and the organizations we support know how to create programs and experiences with a unique approach to financially empower students.

As of this month, 30 U.S. states now require a personal finance course for high school graduation, according to Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit advocating for personal finance education. Connecticut began requiring it in 2023 and a Webster Bank survey that year found that 84% of consumers feel middle and high schools should invest more in financial education. Only a third of that survey’s respondents, which included lower- and middle-income consumers from Connecticut, said they feel fully in control of their financial future.

I could tell the students at Stamford High School were engaged and interested in learning more about taking control of their finances and their teachers were thrilled to get extra resources.

But we can’t stop here.

If you’re a parent, educator, business or community leader, I encourage you to find out about existing programs, teacher training, and partnerships. Talk to your kids about money. Be a positive influence. Together, we can ensure every student completes high school with the ability to make informed financial decisions and build a secure future.

Marissa Weidner is executive vice president and chief corporate responsibility officer at Webster Bank.