Independent Banker - April 2023 - 54

budgets, and wants versus needs.
" The younger students grasp these concepts easily when
they're presented in a way they can comprehend, so we
utilize many examples with ice cream and video games, "
says Gale. " Once a field trip or class visit is complete, we
have quizzes where gold dollars are earned for retaining
the information presented. "
Over the years, 1st Bank Yuma has learned about the
best way to teach the K-8 students so they remember
what they learn. For example, learning wants versus needs
is always the starting point with the younger students,
because once they understand that concept, they can move
on to learning about budgets and the costs of items and
services through lessons about supply and demand.
Financial literacy in high school
For older students, 1st Bank Yuma uses a digital platform
and evaluation test from Everfi. Once the students have
completed their test, a bank representative visits the
classroom to drive home what the bank feels is one of the
most important concepts: FICO/credit scores.
" We emphasize that all of their financial obligations and
contracts will be tracked for the rest of their lives and will
affect their ability to obtain loans for cars and houses, "
Commitment to education
The schools and community in and around 1st Bank
Yuma in Yuma, Ariz., appreciate the community
bank's partnership with Everfi to promote
financial literacy.
" It is an investment in terms of the dedication
of an asset to attain an increase in value over a
period of time, " says Gina Thompson, Yuma Union
High School District superintendent. " Investment
requires a sacrifice of some present asset, such as
time, money or effort. "
Thompson sees the Everfi relationship and
Jeff Byrd and
Wayne Gale of
1st Bank Yuma
says Gale. Most insurance companies and employers also
track credit scores to set premiums, the amount of interest
paid on loans and to find out whether that individual
is a person of character who honors their financial
contract obligations.
After every school semester, Everfi sends a quarterly
recap of the test results. Assessment tests are given both
before and after the students take the digital classes. Since
the program's inception, 1st Bank Yuma's students, on
54 // ICBA Independent Banker // April 2023
the partnership between 1st Bank Yuma and the
Yuma Union High School District as an example
of an investment. " 1st Bank Yuma has dedicated
assets in the form of money, time and effort for
the sole purpose of increasing the value and
human condition for our students, " she says. " The
commitment to the purpose is clear and evidenced
by the partnership that 1st Bank Yuma has
sustained over 11 years, reaching more than 21,000
students and still counting. "
A teacher from the Alice Byrne Elementary
School had this to say about 1st Bank Yuma's
program: " The field trip to your bank was such a
great learning experience for our young students.
We appreciate you taking the time to entertain the
students and make learning fun! "
However, the greatest compliment the
community bank receives is when its customers
come in and ask about the program or tell bank
representatives how their child really enjoyed the
class or field trip. Some say they wish they had a
similar program when they were in school.
Byrd spoke at
Mohawk Valley
Elementary's
Career Day.
Photo by Alexandra C. Photography
Independent Banker - April 2023

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