Highlands Elementary, Billings, MT
For 16 years, the American Bankers Association (ABA) has coordinated the Teach Children to Save (TCTS) campaign by partnering with banks throughout the country to bring important financial lessons to young people. In an effort to teach students the value of saving money, bankers volunteer to visit schools and encourage strong financial practices through discussions, lessons, and activities.
To date, the program has reached more than 5 million students nationwide. First Interstate Bank plays an active role in teaching students throughout Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota to practice healthy, responsible financial habits. In 2011 alone, 92 First Interstate employees gave 91 presentations to 2,922 students in our footprint. For more information and resources, visit the TCTS website.
Although TCTS is a great time to focus on this important issue, we strive to teach kids good saving (and spending) habits all year long. One way we accomplish this is through our Mini Bank program. In order to further promote financial literacy, First Interstate branches and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation help area schools set up student-run savings banks. To date, our Mini Bank program touts a total combined savings of over $1.16 million.
Please help support our efforts to start young people off on the right foot by promoting good saving and spending habits to the youth in your life.