Valley Bank and NJCDC Connect Paterson Students with Career Inspiration at Super Day of Service

“What do you have in common?”

It was a simple question, but one that quickly sparked conversations throughout NJCDC’s Great Falls Youth Center. Around the room, Paterson high school students sat alongside Valley Bank interns and mentors, discovering shared interests, career aspirations, and experiences that quickly laid the foundation for meaningful connections.

Those conversations were part of Valley Bank’s Super Day of Service, held on Thursday, July 16 in partnership with NJCDC. The day of career exploration and networking brought nearly 50 Valley Bank interns, associates, manager-mentors, and corporate leaders together with dozens of Paterson students to explore careers, build professional relationships, and gain practical financial knowledge.

Held in two sessions throughout the day, the event welcomed students from across NJCDC’s youth programs alongside members of Valley Bank’s ninth internship cohort and its Next Gen leadership program.

A Partnership Rooted in Community

The event marked another chapter in the longstanding partnership between NJCDC and Valley Bank. Last fall, NJCDC honored Valley Bank at our Annual Gala for its investment in affordable housing, financial education, neighborhood revitalization, and community organizations across New Jersey.

This year’s day of service was led by Kaitlyn Schillizzi, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Tina Goodwin, First Vice President of Talent Development, who coordinated the day’s programming.

Throughout the day, students rotated among Valley representatives during a lively speed-networking session. Icebreaker questions sparked conversations, laughter, and unexpected connections, while rotating seating ensured every student met professionals from a variety of backgrounds and career fields.

One rising junior at International High School reflected on the experience. “It was really great to talk to the interns who were in high school like us a few years ago,” the student said. “They gave us good advice and understand what we are going through. And now I know that I have so many more choices than I thought I did.”

Learning from Community Leaders

Panel discussions introduced students to careers across the nonprofit, government, financial, and business sectors.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh shared updates on transformative projects taking place throughout the city. NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci discussed careers in the nonprofit sector while highlighting several exciting NJCDC initiatives on the horizon.

NJCDC’s Oscar and Carlos, representatives from the Paterson Financial Empowerment Center, discussed the importance of building credit early and making informed financial decisions. They were joined by Kai Alston of Eva’s Village, Jennifer Brady of Oasis, Scott Millard of Passaic County Habitat for Humanity, and Stephanie L. Cullins of the Hamilton Partnership for Paterson, each offering students a different perspective on careers dedicated to strengthening communities.

Later in the day, Valley interns Armani and Alexandra joined manager-mentors Tom and Marissa for a candid discussion about workplace culture, professional growth, and their experiences participating in Valley’s internship program. They shared how internships can launch careers while highlighting the value of curiosity, mentorship, and lifelong learning.

“One of the greatest gifts we can give young people is exposure to the people, professions, and possibilities that exist beyond what they see every day,” said Bob. “We’re grateful to Valley Bank for helping Paterson’s young people imagine —  and prepare for —  bright futures.”

For a rising senior at John F. Kennedy High School, the day left a lasting impression. “I learned a lot about different jobs but also had fun with games and meeting new people,” the student said. “And Valley Bank really helps out a lot in our community. This day helped me think about the different jobs that I would like and that I would be good at.”

Paving Paths for Paterson’s Future

At its core, the Valley Super Day of Service centered on a simple but powerful question: What does community development do?

By day’s end, the answer was clear. Community development means investing in people — strengthening neighborhoods, building financial confidence, and connecting young people with professionals who take the time to share their expertise and believe in their potential. For NJCDC and Valley Bank, the day was one more example of that work in action: a partnership built, one conversation at a time, on the belief that Paterson’s young people deserve every opportunity to imagine a bright future.