For 23 years, the American Bankers Association (ABA) has coordinated the Teach Children to Save 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.
First Interstate Bank plays an active role in teaching students throughout Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming to practice healthy, responsible financial habits. In 2018 alone, First Interstate Bank employees gave 160 presentations to over 5,700 students in our footprint.
In conjunction with Teach Children to Save this year, our branches are holding the 12th annual Piggy Bank Contest. Children ages 3-12 have the opportunity to make and decorate a piggy bank and bring it into one of our local branches, where it will put on display for other customers to admire. First- and Second-place winners will be chosen for each of the age groups.
To raise the stakes even higher, First Interstate Bank is giving schools and other nonprofits the chance to enter and win a $250 grant. The organization just needs to tag First Interstate Bank on Facebook by using @FirstInterstateBank on any post about Teach Children to Save, the Piggy Bank Contest, or simply a photo of students, piggy banks, or FIB employees. At the end of April, we will draw winners randomly, one from each of the six states in our footprint.
Although Teach Children to Save 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.
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.
Contact your banker for more details.