Governor Pillen Proclaims April as Financial Awareness Month

Last week, Gov. Jim Pillen signed a proclamation declaring April as Financial Awareness Month in Nebraska. One of the highlights of the event was the presence of student tellers representing in-school savings banks sponsored by NBA members. Two student tellers from the Pendragon branch of CharterWest Bank in Pender also spoke at the event.
 
For over two decades, in-school savings banks have been successfully implemented in elementary schools throughout the state. Students can make weekly deposits at their school's branch, with the school managing the custodial account and the partnering financial institution auditing. Instead of earning interest, students receive incentives and awards from the partner bank.
 
This program helps instill the habit of saving and builds positive relationships with financial institutions. Research indicates that students who participate in the in-school savings programs are more likely to have bank accounts in high school compared to those who don't participate.
 
Is your bank interested in empowering young people in your community with better financial knowledge? The Nebraska Council on Economic Education (NCEE) offers support to establish the in-school branches. See a list of in-school savings banks here. For additional information or to get started, contact Dr. Jennifer Davidson at the NCEE at [email protected] or Kara Heideman at the NBA at [email protected].

Bankers from CharterWest Bank, teachers from Pender Public Schools and student tellers from the Pendragon branch of CharterWest Bank attended the Financial Awareness Month proclamation signing with Gov. Jim Pillen.