(November 8, 2016) — Local students are getting a free education in how to manage their money. Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) is working with Banzai, a national award-winning financial literacy program, to make curriculum available to local schools completely free.
“Banzai is a web-based financial literacy program. Kids get their own accounts, and they work through assignments that are based on real life,” Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai, said. “But because CFSB is sponsoring it, area schools get it for free. More than ever, it’s important that kids develop sound financial skills to prepare them for the real world, and CFSB realizes that and they’re doing something about it.”
CFSB’s Vice President of Marketing Jeremy Rose stated, “At CFSB, we recognize our role in the communities we serve. We proudly focus our corporate giving in areas specifically designed to assist youth through financial literacy. Banzai allows our youth to become prepared for their exciting futures!”
Banzai is an interactive, online program supplemented by printed workbooks which aligns with state curriculum requirements for personal finance education. It has become the largest program of its kind, servicing more than 25,000 teachers and available in all 50 states.
CFSB has offered time, money, industry experience, and a variety of bank resources to help local schools teach personal finance in the classroom. Students using the program are exposed to real-life scenarios where they learn to pay bills and balance a budget – but it’s not always easy. Students must learn to manage unexpected expenses such as parking tickets, interest charges and overdraft fees. The educational program also introduces students to auto loans, bank statements, entertainment costs, savings and more.
“Too often students get out of school and they just aren’t ready for the financial roller coasters life can give us,” Vandagriff said. “Banzai teaches students to navigate those twists and turns and come out on top. We’re excited to work with CFSB to improve financial literacy in local schools.”
Teachers interested in using the Banzai program can visit cfsbky.teachbanzai.com or call 888-8-BANZAI.