10 Hoosier Banker April 2015 in-depth, month-long learning experience that introduces students to financial planning and career exploration. The program culminates with a visit to an on-site or virtual community, where students role-play the skills they have learned, while committing to a personal budget. Another popular form of Junior Achievement outreach is JA in a Day. This intensive program brings a team of volunteers to an elementary school to teach all levels of JA lessons in a single-day sweep. Recently the Indiana Bankers Association asked member banks to share their experiences with Junior Achievement. A total of 26 institutions shared the following statistics, representing their combined JA outreach in 2014: 692 JA presentations were made by banks 372 Bank associates volunteered with JA 24,968 Youth were reached through bank JA outreach $176,585 Dollars and in-kind donations were made by banks to JA Please note that the above results include figures only from the respondent banks. These figures are not intended to represent all Indiana financial institution support of Junior Achievement. Following are examples of JA involvement: 1st Source Bank, South Bend Personnel provide leadership at the JA board of director level, perform classroom instruction and participate in JA in a Day. The bank takes part in JA because, “We have a mutual goal of educating our youth.” Alliance Bank, Francesville Associates donate time to classroom instruction, BizTown interviewing, and board of director support. JA aligns with the bank’s financial literacy and community relations goals. Bank of Wolcott Three bank executives serve as classroom consultants, and two serve on the local board of directors, with one serving as board president. The bank has been involved with JA for more than 25 years, appreciative of the opportunity to give back to the community and teach real life lessons to youth. COVER STORY Banks work with consumers year-round to prove education on ways to achieve financial strength and stability. April is a month of particular financial education focus, as it has been designated National Financial Capability Month and National Financial Literacy Month. Accordingly, in April both national bank trade associations bring added emphasis to consumer/community awareness. The American Bankers Association sponsors Teach Children to Save Day, this year scheduled for April 24, and the Independent Community Bankers of America promotes Community Bank Month. In synch with this financial literacy emphasis, Hoosier Banker is spotlighting a different aspect of consumer education each April. Last year the magazine reported on in-school bank branches available in member institutions. This year we draw attention to Junior Achievement (JA). Established in 1919, Junior Achievement reached more than 4.5 million students in the United States during academic year 2013-14, according to the JA website at juniorachievement.org. Its stated purpose is: “Junior Achievement inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy.” Throughout its near-century of existence, JA has evolved to present a variety of programs, available to students through volunteer efforts of schools, parents and members of the business community. Programs are delivered by volunteers to students in grades K through 12 to help youth develop financial literacy skills, in addition to work readiness and entrepreneurship. Two simulation programs are JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. BizTown brings fifth graders to a day-long visit to a simulated town, allowing them to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks and vote for mayor. The program is designed to help students grasp the connection between lessons learned in school and the real world. Finance Park, for middle and high school students, is an Banks Partner With Junior Achievement to Prepare Youth for Success
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