NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is excited to announce that The Moody’s Foundation has provided a generous grant to support W!se programs at the Title I High School of Economics & Finance (HSEF) in lower Manhattan. The grant will support the W!se Institute, the Moody’s Summer Experience and the Moody’s Research Center located in the HSEF library. HSEF was founded by W!se President & CEO Phyllis F. Perillo.
Launched in 2003, the W!se Institute is a four-year program for students at HSEF that provides relevant real world learning opportunities to enhance understanding of economics and finance, to better prepare students for college acceptance and completion and to equip student with marketable employment skills. The W!se Institute curates more than 100 eight-week seminars, divided into four modules, to serve 100% of 9-12th grade students annually. Seminars focus on Economics and Finance; Arts, Humanities and Communications; STEM; and College and Career Skills. Nearly 300 vetted volunteers from government agencies, corporations and nonprofits teach these seminars, delivering cultural enrichment, college preparation and career exposure.
Since 2003, the Moody’s Summer Experience has served all incoming 9th graders at HSEF, preparing them for academic success. W!se administers the program and works closely with school administrators and teachers to align program content to the school’s goals and student needs, in addition to New York State and Common Core Standards. The Summer Experience includes English, math, advanced math, college/career guidance and an introduction to business, finance and personal finance. The program also includes breakfast with Moody’s employees to learn about careers, field trips, an orientation and a closing awards celebration. The program has led to statistically significant improvements in academic performance, skills, and behavior.
The Moody’s Research Center is the essential learning facility for students and faculty at HSEF. It is the only area accessible to the entire school community with technology available for research and school work. The Center is utilized throughout the day from 7:20 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, as well as some weekends for workshops.
“We are deeply grateful to our cherished sponsor, The Moody’s Foundation, for their generous grant,” said Phyllis F. Perillo, W!se President and CEO. “Their continued support is critical in ensuring that students at the High School of Economics & Finance continue to receive world class college and career readiness programs,” she added.
ABOUT THE MOODY’S FOUNDATION
The Moody’s Foundation supports Moody’s Corporation’s contribution to people, planet and profit – the triple bottom line. Moody’s businesses, philanthropic activities and employee engagement programs touch all three components of the triple bottom line. They enrich the lives of the people of Moody’s, the people of the communities where we live and work and the people of the world. The Moody’s Foundation is proud of the work it does in education, mathematics, economics and finance, health and human services, arts and culture, civic, as well as economic development.
ABOUT W!SE
Working In Support of Education (W!se), a national educational not-for-profit, improves the lives of young people through programs that develop financial literacy and readiness for college and careers.