Ocean Bank Awards Funds To Establish Miami Dade College's Future Bankers' Camp Program
Students Secure Jobs in Financial Services Industry
MIAMI, FL – March 20, 2007 - Ocean Bank awarded $60,000 to Miami Dade College (MDC) Future Bankers’ Camp program and is the first in the banking industry to offer the program in an effort to help increase the number of African-American professionals in the financial services industry. Ocean Bank’s contribution will fund for 20 students from Miami Jackson and Edison High Schools to attend the Future Bankers’ Camp program at MDC.
“We are delighted that Ocean Bank continues to be such a big supporter to help those who may have an interest in developing a career in banking and to also have the vision to help us structure a model that can be used by other banks,” said Connie Laguna Executive Director of Miami Dade College’s Center for Financial Training (CFT).
Ocean Bank and MDC will launch The Future Bankers’ Camp as a two-year pilot program at the two high schools. During the first phase, students from both high schools will enroll in teller operation courses and upon completion receive a vocational and an American Bankers Association certificate through CFT. Students will then participate in a job shadowing internship while attending Saturday classes to prepare for the College Placement Test. Once students have taken the exam, they will begin dual enrollment classes in banking for college credit. They will enroll at MDC to continue their career path to ultimately earn an Associate in Science degree in Financial Services.
“As a leader in South Florida’s banking industry, it is important for Ocean Bank to support programs that benefit students in our community,” said José A. Concepción, Ocean Bank President and CEO. “We are excited to help educate minority students who are eager to enter the financial industry and we are pleased to partner with Miami Dade College. This is an opportunity for us to provide financial assistance to students who choose a career path in the financial services industry and we are delighted. By establishing the program, we hope that other financial institutions will soon follow,” he added.
Ocean Bank is seriously committed to supporting education in our community. Since the Bank’s inception in 1982, it has made substantial contributions to the Education Fund, Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Miami Dade College and the United Negro College Fund among others.
Ocean Bank is the largest independent commercial bank headquartered in Florida, with more than $5.9 billion in assets and $5.0 billion in deposits. Chartered in 1982, Ocean Bank operates a network of 21 branches throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The community bank has received numerous awards and accolades from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, The Beacon Council and the Florida Department of Education among others for its support of South Florida’s communities. For more information logon to www.oceanbank.com.
