Florida Banking April 2023

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

BANKERS, WANT TO ADVANCE YOUR EDUCATION? APPLY FOR FBEF FINANCIAL AID

BY BILL PENNEY, FBA CHAIR

W hen I was in high school, I didn’t think I’d go to college… much less become a banker! I loved race cars and engines, and I wanted to be a mechanic. One summer, I was working as a mechanic at the Village of North Palm Beach, and a garbage truck broke down enroute. I went out with my boss to help fix the broken hydraulic hose, and it was the combination of garbage and hydraulic oil on a hot day that drove me to say, “Mom, tell me about this college thing.”

and the completion of one year of employment with a Florida bank or trust company. The FBEF Scholarship/Loan Program offers financial assistance of $4,000 for junior and senior students and $5,000 for graduate students. You may be eligible for a scholarship if you are (1) attending one of the FBEF’s participating colleges and universities, (2) majoring in a banking-related field of study, and (3) planning to continue your career in Florida banking.

The Foundation doesn’t only offer aid to college students — there’s also a program specifically for career bankers who want to continue their education outside of traditional college degree programs. Through the FBEF Career Development Program, you can apply for financial assistance if you’re attending an approved professional development program like the FBA’s Florida School of Banking or Florida Trust School, LSU and Stonier Graduate School of Banking, or most ABA or ICBA

In Economics 101, I was fascinated by the chapter about how banks create money. I signed up for more banking and finance courses. In my junior and senior years at Florida Atlantic University, I received a scholarship grant from the Florida Bankers Educational Foundation. That was the very beginning of my banking career, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the FBEF’s support or financial aid. Coming full circle, my first

“I’LL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL FOR THE ROLE THAT THE FBEF’S SCHOLARSHIP GRANT PLAYED IN LAUNCHING MY BANKING CAREER.”

leadership role with the FBA was as Chair of the FBEF. I was grateful to serve and give back what I’d received through the Foundation. Supporting bankers’ education is a big part of the FBA’s mission, and I want every one of our member banks to be familiar with the many opportunities for professional development. The FBEF has been around since 1956, serving as a financial resource for future Florida bankers by helping them complete their education so they can advance in their banking careers. Are you or someone you know pursuing a career in banking? The FBEF offers forgivable loans which are paid in full after graduation

endorsed graduate banking programs. I’ll always be grateful for the role that the FBEF’s scholarship grant played in launching my banking career. These programs are available to all our member banks; don’t miss out on the opportunity for financial assistance if you’re going back to school! You know as well as I do that every bit counts. Learn more about the FBEF and how its programs could help you advance your career through education. Visit the FBA website for full guidelines and application information. You can also reach out to FBEF Director Letty Newton at lnewton@floridabankers.com.

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