The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) partnered with North High School this year to create an internship program for students, providing professional and educational opportunities before they pursue higher education. The first four North students to take part in the program, and where they are currently at in school, were:
- Rosemary Galdamez – North High School (senior)
- Madison Houska – DMACC
- Cheyann Neades – Drake University
- Angelica Reyes – Drake University
FHLB works with nearly 1,400 financial institutions to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing. The story below have been provided by the FHLB office.
Rosemary Galdamez, a senior at North High School, was one of four students to participate in a new internship program with the Federal Home Loan Bank.
In an effort to recruit and maintain a strong , diverse workforce, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines or the Bank) is looking to a new source for talent: youth.
The Bank partnered with Des Moines North High School in recent months to offer internship opportunities to students interested in pursuing careers in the financial services industry. Four interns, including three seniors and one junior, joined FHLB Des Moines Information Technology and Member & Financial Operations Departments during their summer internship, exposing them to a range of workplace, technical, interpersonal and communication skills.
The program aims to foster the professional and educational development of young leaders in the community by helping them cultivate marketable skills and introducing them to career opportunities in financial services.
“Our goal, in conjunction with North High School, has been to expose high school students to the opportunities that exist in financial services,”said Nancy Betz, Chief Human Resources and Administrative Officer, FHLB Des Moines. “It’s a win-win for us, the students and our community. Our hope is that through these opportunities, we can provide connections, learning, mentoring all while preparing them for potential careers in the financial services industry.”
“The ability to partner with a fantastic organization such as the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is a wonderful opportunity for our students not only from a workplace aspect, but from a learning and mentoring aspect as well,” Charles Mercer, Community Schools Coordinator at North High School, said. “It is inspiring to see the difference this internship has made in the lives of these students, and we look forward to continuing this partnership with the Bank.”
Internship and mentorship opportunities will continue in 2018. Angelica Reyes, one of the 2017 interns, said the experience was valuable, and has prepared her to pursue a college major in International Relations with a minor in Business.
“I learned so much during my internship,” Reyes said. “This opportunity makes me confident and excited about my decision to pursue a professional career, either in finance, or another field I’m passionate about.”
As an industry, financial service firms, continue to struggle when it comes to attracting minorities and women. In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that within the financial services sector, African-Americans represented 10.4 percent and Hispanics represented 10.6 percent of all available positions.
The Bank is committed to changing this statistic through partnerships and initiatives, such as the North High School internship program. Of the 1,300 students at North High School, more than 55 percent are Hispanic or African-American.
Fifteen North High School students applied for the four internships in 2017. Learn more about the Bank’s commitment to diversity, internships and career opportunities on our website, www.fhlbdm.com.
