#United States #Stamford #Synchrony #Future 5

Making Dreams a Reality

In a pivotal move to empower local youth, Synchrony, a leading consumer financial services entity based in Stamford, has officially launched a new hub in partnership with Future 5. This hub, strategically placed in downtown Stamford, serves as a sanctuary for students who are at risk of disconnecting from education and career opportunities, providing them essential resources to thrive academically and professionally.

The need for such a facility is underscored by recent statistics revealing that nearly 20% of young people in Connecticut, aged between 14 and 26, are either disconnected or facing the risk of detachment from vital employment and educational avenues. Over the past four years, Synchrony's collaboration with Future 5 has centered on closing this gap through hands-on skills development and tailored educational programs.

In 2023 alone, the Future 5 initiative witnessed 65 graduating high school seniors secure over 400 college acceptances across more than 117 institutions. These outcomes are a testament to the program's effectiveness in reshaping the futures of Stamford's youth.

Future 5 is not just any program; it functions as a Synchrony Skills Academy partner. Participants are enrolled in the after-school Tech Accelerator Program, tailored in conjunction with District Arts and Education (DAE). This unique initiative equips students with competencies in areas like digital content creation, full-stack engineering, STEM education, robotics, Generative AI, and 3D printing. Housed within the walls of Synchrony’s headquarters, these eager learners gain invaluable exposure to real-world corporate environments. Some participants have even gone on to secure full-time positions with Synchrony, showcasing the program's potential to translate educational experiences into career opportunities.

Nico Ortiz, a Future 5 student from Westhill High School who will soon be a freshman at Quinnipiac University, expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating, "My journey at Future 5 has had an incredible impact on my life and my future. Not only have I found a community to belong to, but I've also made strong friendships and important connections along the way. Our new space has made my experience at Future 5 even more enjoyable, and I am grateful to Synchrony for helping to make our new house a home."

Synchrony’s commitment extends beyond just financial backing. Sue Bishop, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Synchrony, articulated the company’s mission: "Synchrony supports hundreds of thousands of American businesses in reaching their dreams through financing opportunities. Here in our home state, we are dedicated to providing students access to educational opportunities to help them achieve their aspirations. Future success for many Stamford students begins here, and we are excited to contribute to the growth of Future 5."

This month, Synchrony has also mobilized a team of cross-functional volunteers to assist Future 5 as part of their Business Leadership Program's dedicated service period. This initiative allows employees to take a fully paid month off from their routine work duties to collaborate with local nonprofits, further solidifying the company’s commitment to community involvement and long-lasting positive impact.

For those interested in learning more about Synchrony's contribution to Connecticut and its potential effects, additional information can be found on Synchrony's impact site.

About Synchrony

Synchrony has earned its place as a premier consumer financing company, being a cornerstone of American commerce and opportunity for nearly a century. The company offers various products and services across multiple sectors, including healthcare, automotive, and retail. By providing responsible access to credit, Synchrony aims to enhance financial well-being for millions while supporting the growth of many esteemed brands and small businesses nationwide. Notably, Synchrony was honored as the second-best company to work for by Fortune magazine—an acknowledgment of its commitment to fostering a positive workforce environment.

For more details, visit synchrony.com.