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Chelsea Groton Bank, Groton, CT

Entry Year: 2020
Entry Category: Financial Education
Asset Size: Small
Program Name: Chelsea University

Program Summary:

Since its founding 166 years ago, Chelsea Groton, a mutual bank, has been committed to helping customers and communities achieve their goals. One of the ways Chelsea Groton does that is by offering free and innovative learning opportunities to the community. As part of the Bank's 150th birthday gift to the community, Chelsea Groton launched a community education program. What began as one full-time educator teaching financial courses at area high schools has grown tremendously over the years. Because of the demand for financial literacy and wellness programs, a team of “Chelsea Educators” who represent branches and departments assist in delivering financial literacy classes, and work with experts in the community to deliver lifestyle and wellness programs in branches, community centers and non-profits throughout the community in an effort to empower individuals, families and businesses to make the financial decisions that are best for them. To date, over 2,000 classes have been delivered to over 35,000 individuals. In 2018, the community ed program was renamed Chelsea University. In order to reach more people, the Bank invested in an interactive e-learning center for non-profits, businesses and consumers to use at their convenience for free. The e-learning center, as well as our transition to offering webinars and educational video content on our social media channels, has allowed us to continue to educate the community, even during COVID-19 social distancing measures.