Rowan College opens a financial literacy lab

Rowan College of South Jersey joined First Harvest Credit Union on Nov. 20 to cut the ribbon on a new financial literacy lab at the college’s Gloucester County campus.

The First Harvest Financial Innovation lab is designed to provide students with the resources they need to learn and enhance their financial literacy and workforce development by using what the college describes as “real-world financial applications.”

“This lab will allow students to analyze financial data, explore budgeting and personal-finance scenarios, work with hands-on banking technology and gain first-hand insight into how financial institutions strengthen the communities they serve,” said Rowan’s business studies dean, Dr. Dominic Puggi. 

“We extend our sincere appreciation to First Harvest for supporting this initiative,” he added. “Your investment in our students, our new finance program and this physical learning space reflects a shared belief that financial literacy and career readiness are essential to the long-term economic health of South Jersey.” 

Woodbury-based First Harvest donated $85,000 toward lab construction, part of its 85 Acts of Kindness initiative, a series of donations to various organizations and charities to mark the financial company’s 85th anniversary.

““We believe we have an inherent responsibility to invest in the South Jersey community where we were founded 85 years ago,” noted First Harvest Credit Union president and CEO Mike Dinneen. “We are proud to partner with Rowan College of South Jersey to create meaningful pathways that strengthen both our local workforce and our community, especially at a time when the cost of higher education is becoming unreachable for so many.

“The First Harvest Financial Innovation Lab partnership will prepare the workforce of the future by nurturing educational and economic opportunities for generations to come.”   

Members of the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners were in attendance for the ribbon cutting, as were several students. One of them – Daniel N. (his last name was withheld) – is a second-year business administration major.

“Since elementary school, I’ve had an interest in fluctuating markets and the sneaker market was my first passion,” he explained. “Now that I’m old enough to invest in stocks, my passion has altered, and I fell in love with the world of investing … 

“My goal is to help people make informed financial decisions that give them confidence and stability in the future.”