STCC student chosen for fellowship to learn about government finance
STCC student Paul Le
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College student Paul Le who is studying business will have an opportunity to learn real world lessons as a municipal finance intern with the City of Springfield this summer.
Le was chosen for the Local Finance Commonwealth Fellowship, a program created by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to develop the next generation of municipal professionals with fiscal expertise. Thirty community college students across the state will serve as paid fellows and gain an understanding of general concepts and practices related to municipal finance.
“I’m looking forward to this internship,” said Le, 19. “It’s an opportunity to earn money and also get experience to add to my resume. I was surprised to get accepted. I never had an opportunity like this before.”
Le thanked STCC Business Professor Ann Gervais who encouraged him to apply.
“Paul’s talents in accounting and finance are exemplary,” Gervais said. “Combining Paul's acquired skills with his personality and desire to serve the community makes Paul a good fit to work in municipal finance. Paul is deserving of this opportunity to broaden his knowledge with this invaluable learning experience.”
The Fellowship provides career preparation through a training program managed by the Division of Local Services and supported by both the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association and the Massachusetts Municipal Auditors’ and Accountants’ Association.
Community college students like Le receive a work-based learning experience through local government partnerships with host cities and towns across Massachusetts.
The Fellowship provides students like Paul that essential hands-on experience, which helps to showcase public sector opportunities.John B. Cook, STCC president
The program aligns with STCC’s strategic goals, said STCC President John B. Cook.
“We recognize there is a need for local talented professionals in municipal government,” Cook said. “We’re thrilled to see one of our students taking part in this initiative; the Fellowship provides students like Paul that essential hands-on experience, which helps to showcase public sector opportunities.”
Springfield Chief Administrative and Financial Officer T.J. Plante said municipal finance is a “niche market” that college students might not consider as a career option. They often look for jobs in the private sector.
With many baby boomer workers retiring, municipalities are seeing a large turnover and need to hire a new generation of municipal managers, Plante said.
“Not everybody knows municipal finance exists,” Plante said. “We hope to raise awareness, and that’s why the partnership with the state and with STCC is fantastic. Many STCC students are from Springfield and many of them are going to stay in Springfield and give back to the community.”
To address the urgent need for qualified municipal finance officials, the state convened a task force in 2017 to find solutions to workforce skills, recruitment and hiring challenges that towns and cities face. The City of Springfield has worked with other interns from STCC in recent years.
Le, born and raised in Springfield, sees the benefit of working in his community. The Fellowship program has him thinking about a career in municipalities.
“It’s really interesting,” Le said “There are a lot of opportunities for pensions and health insurance working for municipalities, but you also get a lot of satisfaction from helping your communities. You see people coming into City Hall every day talking to the clerk about why their taxes went up or about a certain law. So you get to help out your community.”
Le went through immersive municipal finance online training in June and will serve as a paid intern between July and August. Fellows learn about a wide range of topics including property taxes and assessment, public budgeting, municipal accounting and more.
After he completes the internship, Le plans to transfer from STCC to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and study accounting. He enrolled in the MassTransfer program (business transfer) which gives students an opportunity to start at a community college, earn a bachelor’s degree and complete their education at a state university or UMass. MassTransfer reduces the sticker price for a bachelor’s degree.
“It’s a great money saver,” Le said. “Starting at STCC was amazing. The professors are there for you. it’s not just inexpensive; it’s quality. And there are a lot of opportunities.”
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu