CMP's Financial Literacy & Retail Banking training program, in partnership with Flushing Bank, successfully concluded on Friday, March 21, 2025, with a graduation ceremony at CMP. Eighteen participants completed the intensive eight-week program and were awarded certificates of completion, recognizing their dedication and achievements.
This graduation ceremony marks CMP’s second completed vocational training program and first public graduation ceremony since the 2020 Fire and Pandemic, drawing significant attention from the community. Several senior representatives from Flushing Bank attended the event. In his speech, Senior Executive Vice-President & Chief Retail and Client Development Officer Mike Bingold highlighted Flushing Bank's long-standing commitment to community development, emphasizing that this training program represents a key initiative in giving back to the community.
Senior Vice President & Director of Retail Banking Ling Xu shared her personal journey as a member of an immigrant family, underscoring Flushing Bank’s dedication to supporting the career development of new immigrants. “Through programs like this, we aim not only to help participants achieve personal growth but also to inspire them to give back to the community, creating a virtuous cycle,” she emphasized.
Other distinguished attendees included Senior Vice President & Director of the Asian Segment Judy Ng, Senior Vice President & Area Manager Queens John Siu, Vice President & Branch Manager Chinatown Branch Li Fang Chen, Vice President & Branch Manager Kissena Branch Leo Wang, Vice President & Financial Consultant Jessica Han, five board members from CMP, and representatives from State Senator Kavanagh, Assemblymember Grace Lee, Councilmember Marte’s office.
Program graduates Summer and Johnathan shared their experiences during the ceremony, expressing how the program transformed their perspectives. They noted that the curriculum covered not only professional knowledge like banking structures and investment strategies but also emphasized the importance of friendliness and patience for this role. “This has been a refreshing learning journey,” Summer remarked.
This free training program, launched in January 2025, was designed to equip participants with essential banking industry skills through eight weeks of comprehensive financial education and practical training. The participants in this program included current undergraduate students and job seekers pursuing part-time or full-time employment opportunities. Professional instruction was provided by Flushing Bank representatives in both Mandarin and English. CMP also offered supplemental services such as resume writing, cover letter guidance, and interview preparation to ensure participants were job-ready. Flushing Bank will open a new branch at Chatham Square in Chinatown and intends to prioritize hiring outstanding graduates from this training program, providing participants with tangible employment opportunities.
As a not-for-profit workforce and small business organization that includes a private career school licensed by the New York State Department of Education, CMP is well-known for its QuickBooks accounting training, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses, and culinary programs. Despite the devastation caused by a five-alarm fire in 2020, CMP has continued to expand its offerings. Last year, it relaunched its vocational training services, including an HVAC program in partnership with S&W Wilson, Inc., which received widespread acclaim from the community.
In 2025, CMP introduced new programs, including this financial literacy training in partnership with Flushing Bank and a medical receptionist training program with the CAIPA Foundation. CMP remains committed to providing high-quality training services, empowering economic self-sufficiency and career development, and injecting renewed energy and hope into the New York community.
