First Interstate Bank is proud to announce that it has signed a partnership agreement with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The three-year deal, which goes into effect immediately and has national reach, connects First Interstate with 250 member institutions across the U.S. to provide vital financial tools.
“Communities are comprised of individuals who want to make a difference, and that type of leadership is born from students and student-athletes, many of whom attend NAIA colleges,” said Doug Gaumer, First Interstate Market President. “We’re grateful for this partnership and the core connection we share with the NAIA.”
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is a governing body of small athletics programs dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. First Interstate and NAIA share a commitment to putting people first, embodying integrity, and helping diverse groups of people reach their greatest potential.
“The NAIA is fortunate to have First Interstate Bank join our national partnership program,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “First Interstate shares the core value of Champions of Character and is dedicated to both higher education and the support of student-athletes. We look forward to sharing their banking offerings with our members and student-athletes, and I am confident this will be a mutually beneficial partnership for years to come.”
First Interstate will provide financial fitness tools to NAIA student-athletes to train them to manage their finances. In the way that good coaching and self-discipline can help deliver victory on the field, a sound financial education can position these competitors for success as they pursue their personal and professional goals.
Additionally, the agreement connects First Interstate with NAIA institutional decision makers. Colleges can leverage the community bank’s tools and resources to serve their key priorities – enrollment, student success, and financial viability. NAIA schools have long been part of the fabric of many hard-working towns and cities; First Interstate’s “Built for You” ethos makes it a natural fit to strengthen these community stakeholders.
Learn more about NAIA member institutions or connect with your local First Interstate banker for more information.