Elavon begins multi-year partnership with Georgia Fintech Academy of the University System of Georgia

23 November 2021

Atlanta (November 23, 2021) – Elavon, a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank and one the largest payments processors globally, today launched a three-year partnership with the Georgia Fintech Academy of the University System of Georgia.

A first-of-its-kind academic development program, the Academy is a critical bridge between the companies that are at the heart of Georgia’s dominant “Transaction Alley” fintech sector, and the students who will be future industry leaders currently studying at 26 Georgia colleges and universities. The Academy develops student expertise in fintech through coursework, apprenticeship, and professional development, with an approach that engages both industry leaders and students.

“The Georgia Fintech Academy is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of fintech leaders in our own backyard, and I’m thrilled we’re partnering with them,” said Jamie Walker, Elavon CEO. “We have deep Atlanta roots, and this is just the latest step in our on-going efforts to support current and future talent in this vital local industry. Our team is looking forward to working with these students who already have a deep interest in fintech.”

During the next three years, Elavon and U.S. Bank employees will engage Fintech Academy students across a range of activities, including: serving on the Fintech Academy Advisory council, in-person workshops with students, judging fintech curriculum competitions, and participating in the Academy’s monthly fintech career fairs.

“The Fintech Academy will be a key partner as we look to continue growing our Georgia team and provide opportunities for more diverse fintech employees within Elavon and U.S. Bank,” said Rachel Hansen, SVP and Business Information Officer at U.S. Bank.

The Fintech Academy partnership aligns closely with the work of the U.S. Bank Access Commitment, a long-term approach to how the bank serves racially diverse communities and provides more opportunities for diverse employees. 

The Academy’s program is unique globally, partnering fintech and financial services companies with a wide variety of students interested in working the industry. Since the Academy’s creation in 2018:

• More than 3,200 students have participated in its curriculum programs at Georgia colleges and universities.
• Nearly three-fourths are from underrepresented groups within fintech, one-third are women and more than 95% of the participating students are from Georgia.
• More than 850 job placements at fintechs since 2019.

“Elavon played an important role in the creation of the Georgia Fintech Academy and this multi-year partnership now allows us to do even more for the diverse set of students excited to begin careers in fintech,” said Tommy Marshall, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy. “Payments and innovation in payments are important areas of student learning and exploration and areas that Elavon is well positioned to support.”