Webster Bank Celebrates Opening of Taunton Finance Lab

Webster Bank, together with Associates for Human Services’ Taunton Area School to Career (TASC), program, celebrated the opening of the Webster Bank/TASC Finance Lab, a program created to provide local students the skills needed for financial empowerment and future financial well-being. The program, the first collaboration in Massachusetts, is funded by a $100,000 grant from Webster, a continuation of the $1.7 million the Bank has invested into Finance Labs throughout its footprint.

The Webster/TASC Finance Lab is part of a signature initiative designed to help Webster’s partners in low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities expand financial empowerment and improve financial literacy for youth. The grant funds for TASC will be used to promote financial literacy throughout all programming including internships, mentorship programs and programs for students with disabilities and special education services. AHS’s TASC is also hosting a day-long event on financial literacy and preparedness for up to 200 students scheduled for March 2025.

“We are proud to partner with Taunton Area School to Career to open our first Finance Lab in Massachusetts,” said Marissa Weidner, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Webster Bank. “Webster is committed to investing in programs that broaden financial empowerment opportunities, and supporting our commitment to creating economic vitality in the neighborhoods where we live and work.”

Earlier this year, Webster celebrated the opening of Finance Labs with partners in Hartford and Waterbury, Connecticut. The Bank recently announced three new partnerships with nonprofits in Providence, Rhode Island, Dorchester, Massachusetts and on Long Island, New York.

“TASC has worked to empower youth to succeed by building bridges to businesses and higher education opportunities. The program is dependent on state funding which is inconsistent year to year. This grant has enabled us to keep staff and focus on continuing to build these bridges and empower students from all walks of life and abilities to be the best they can be,” said Zulmira Allcock, President and CEO of Associates for Human Services.

Local and state dignitaries including Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and TASC participant Brianna Gomes joined Webster leaders to officially open the program. Program participants also will engage in hands-on learning opportunities including internships and financial literacy workshops with volunteers from Webster Bank.