Preparing the next generation.
Volunteers from Santander Consumer USA (SC) recently did their part at D.A. Hulcy STEAM Middle School in South Dallas.
Working with Junior Achievement (JA), the volunteers visited sixth- and seventh-grade classrooms to help teach subjects ranging from economics to budgeting and financial life skills.
“The opportunity to work with Junior Achievement was a very rewarding experience for both the students and the volunteers,” said Timothy G. of SC, who was taking part in the company’s Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO) program. “We are fortunate to work for a company that provides its employees the opportunity to give back to the communities we live and work in.”
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Despite some opening jitters, the volunteer teams created an interactive classroom environment through games and group activities.
“We were a little nervous,” said another volunteer. “But once we got started it was very simple.”
JA seeks to provide young people the knowledge and skills they need for their financial success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic life choices, hoping to inspire them to succeed in today’s global economy through financial literacy.
“I had a wonderful time, and I would absolutely participate again,” said SC volunteer Thealia F. “The kids were amazing and so knowledgeable with the lesson content that was delivered. The most important part was when they wanted to know when I was coming back. What a fantastic feeling it was to hear those words. I wanted to go back the next day.”
The auto lender’s VPTO program encourages more than 5,000 employees to give back to their communities by participating in charitable events and activities.
Started just last year, the volunteer program was so successful that SC increased each Associate’s annual allowance from one to two days within a few months.
“If given the opportunity again, I would jump at the chance to volunteer with Junior Achievement,” said volunteer Tres G. “Being afforded the chance to make a difference in a child’s life, through SC’s volunteer program, not only speaks to the employee’s willingness to participate, but to the company’s overall commitment to the community.”
