Seniors in Springfield’s five high schools are getting lessons on managing money from officials with five banks.
Banking on SAAB/SPS is billed as an immersive financial literacy program. High school seniors, including those in Springfield Public Schools' Launch Virtual Learning program, explore the financial industry through visits to banks and an all-day activity set for March 22, according to a press release from Springfield Public Schools. The sessions began in October.
During the March 22 event, students will work alongside other financial professionals to “experience and work through financial scenarios.” The program covers making a budget, learning about taxes, learning about interest earnings, protection against financial risk, making investments and more.
Arvest Bank, Central Bank of the Ozarks, Commerce Bank, Great Southern Bank and Simmons Bank have partnered with the program for hosting the sessions and providing resources.
Formerly known as Student African American Brotherhood, SAAB is a nationwide group based in Springfield that provides educational, social and professional support to men of color through brotherhood and mentorship, according to its website.
Tyrone Bledsoe, CEO of SAAB, said the program was created in Springfield, and is being looked at for use in the other 40 states where the organization serves.
“We knew many of our high school guys, and students in general, don’t get a lot of this kind of education in high school,” Bledsoe said. “What an opportunity for high schoolers to have incredible engagement with senior-level bank stakeholders.”
In addition to teaching financial literacy skills, the sessions will help expose seniors to possible careers in the industry. Andrew Tasset, a senior vice president with Central Bank of the Ozarks, said that the area’s banks offer a variety of employment options.
“We see banks on every corner in Springfield, and we are always looking for good talent,” Tasset said. “High school and college students can begin a career here. Whether they start just part time as a teller or work their way into a career, there are a lot of tracks that banking has that students may not be aware of.”
