LOWE’S GROVE AND FIDELITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP YIELDS DIVIDENDS

or more than a decade, Fidelity Investments has partnered with Lowe’s Grove to support teaching and learning. The longstanding partnership has yielded exemplary results, strengthening the relationship between public and corporate entities.

Lowe’s Grove Principal Jessica Austin has served as the school’s lead learner for two years, and considers the partnership “a blessing. When I came in, they reached out to me.”

Every year, Fidelity agrees to work on a large project. They’ve helped to restore the school’s indoor garden, created a Zen garden, helped build outdoor learning areas, painted murals, and supported the 8th grade dance. Fidelity employees have also taught six-week-long grade level financial literacy classes, and hosted students at the Fidelity campus to engage in financial literacy activities. When teaching staff numbers were low as schools reopened after the pandemic, they filled in the gap with their financial literacy classes. They even created teacher wellness boxes after staff returned.

But the pandemic didn’t limit their accessibility, said Austin. They made themselves available, creating posters with quotes and positive affirmations.

“They have really partnered with us, not necessarily with finances, but people-rich assistance. They ask us what we need and they send volunteers,” said Austin. It’s a simple formula, she says.

Jade Manley, community relations manager with Fidelity, says volunteerism is part of the organization’s culture.

“We value supporting the financial health of communities by creating access and opportunities for underserved students that encourage saving for the future, investing, and building generational wealth. We do this because we believe in a future where everyone is empowered to shape their financial futures and improve their lives.”

Manley added, “Through Fidelity Cares, we create opportunities for associates to volunteer in communities where Fidelity has a presence. In North Carolina, we partner with nonprofits like Activate Good to assist in transformation days at Lowe’s Grove Middle School. These are large-scale projects like building the Zen garden to assist those experiencing food insecurity. Also, partnering with Junior Achievement of Eastern North Carolina to help deliver relevant programming to help plant the seeds for planning for a secure financial future.”

Fidelity has been known to send 125-130 volunteers to the campus for beautification projects; hallway paint spruce-ups (“Sometimes a coat of paint will make you a feel a little bit better about the environment,” said Austin.); and other projects like planter restoration, weeding and mulching, painting benches, installing new benches, and even leaving the school with the gardening tools brought to do the work. Most of the murals in the schools have been painted by Fidelity volunteers.

Austin said she and her staff have a vision meeting with Fidelity representatives in the spring to discuss anticipated needs.

“They have really been a resource,” said Austin. They’ve become almost a thinking partner. It helps us to think a little bit outside of the box, dream just a little bit to positively impact the teaching and learning process. Just amazing. It’s been a huge asset, not just a monetary donation.”

Austin said the partnership has taught her much.

“One of the things that I have learned is that sometimes principals can get so busy and sitting in the principal’s seat can get so lonely. It was great to have a partner in Fidelity that made things a little bit easier. I knew I could reach out to them and they would support. They have been consistent.”

And that support continues to grow. The partnership is expanding to the PTA, and Fidelity employees have met PTA members and discussed initiatives.

“It’s been really great to know that they care so much for the community. It makes you feel like people are invested in our community and the teaching and learning process,” said Austin, who shared that she met a former Lowe’s Grove teacher whose commitment didn’t wane even after leaving the teaching profession. She now volunteers at the school through Fidelity.

That the former teacher would return to volunteer spoke volumes to the relationships and support that help build a school’s culture of success.

“I would really encourage leaders to cultivate that partnership with those who are willing to be with you consistently and be there in person. It’s great to have a partner that is really invested in the community. The staff and the students benefit because it helps to change the work environment,” she said.

One year, Fidelity donated a trailer for Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes to partner with agriculture and CTE.

Rosalind Garmon, the district’s CTE equity coordinator, said Fidelity’s support is invaluable.

“It shows the Durham community that we are connected. They also get the opportunity to see our students and our educators at work. I cannot say enough about Fidelity.”