Building Financial Confidence Through Partnership: MSCU + SCSU's Reverse Internship Program

SCSU + MSCU Partnership = Reverse Internship Program

MSCU is excited to partner with Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) on a new financial education initiative that empowers college students with greater confidence, knowledge, and practical financial skills. At the center of the partnership is a reverse internship program that brings MSCU directly into a first-year seminar course to better understand the financial challenges and literacy needs of today’s college students. By combining the university’s educational environment with MSCU’s financial expertise and listening directly to students, the program creates a valuable two-way exchange that can shape resources that are relevant, accessible, and responsive.

Community Impact Manager Alex greeting SCSU students 

Shelton Branch Manager Shar-Del and students touring the back offices

Alex and students touring the branch facility

SCSU Students sitting in for presentations

Throughout the semester, Shar-Del, Shelton Branch Manager, and Alex, Community Development Officer, are collaborating with the class as students research key questions about college students and their finances. Divided into four teams, students are developing data-driven findings as part of a semester-long project while building skills in research, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. On September 23, fourteen SCSU students visited MSCU to tour the credit union and learn how its departments work together to serve members and the community. MSCU’s guest speakers Hank Baum, Tom Flynn, Elaine Borrelli, Elaine Orsini, Will Drucker, Katrina Plumbi, and Emily Pleszko shared insights from their areas of expertise, helping students connect their classroom work to real careers, roles, and financial services.

CEO Hank Baum sharing his insight as an SCSU alum

 Senior BSA & Financial Crimes Analyst Emily Plesko workshopping with the students

Director of Marketing and Communications, Elaine Borrelli's presentation to the SCSU students

Partnerships like this show what is possible when universities and community-focused financial institutions work toward a shared goal. Students gain meaningful real-world experience and exposure to financial careers, while MSCU gains authentic insight into how it can better serve college students and address their evolving financial needs. More than a semester-long project, this initiative strengthens the connection between education, workforce development, and community impact by building relationships, expanding access to financial knowledge, and helping create solutions that support informed financial decisions now and in the future.

By: Alex Holderman, Community Development Officer, MSCU