VEI and TIAA-CREF are partnering together to launch a VE program in a St. Louis metro area high school by 2016-17. TIAA-CREF is a Fortune 100 financial services organization and a leading retirement provider for people who work in the academic, research, medical and cultural fields. Employees from their local and national offices will have opportunities to engage with VE students by serving as classroom mentors and judges for regional business plan competitions and trade shows, National Online Competitions, and the Youth Business Summit. VEI and TIAA-CREF are exploring other engagement opportunities such as financial literacy and career development activities and internships for VE students.
TIAA-CREF is excited to be taking a leadership role in bringing the VE program to a new state and partnering with us to serve more at-risk students and scale-up our unique approach to preparing youth for the workforce and building their financial literacy skills.
VEI is in the selection process for schools and by 2016-17, the “Gateway to the West” will provide students with pathways to their futures.
If you are interested in helping VE start a program in an underserved community, please contact Bryn Canner, Director of Development, at bcanner@veinternational.org.