Fifth Third Bank Partners with the School Board of Pinellas County to Integrate Financial Literacy into Schools

Fifth Third Bank recently established an all-encompassing partnership with The School Board of Pinellas County that provides key financial literacy programs for teachers and students system-wide. With a unanimous vote of the school board, the “Foundations in Personal Finance” partnership will begin next semester and is estimated to reach more than 17,000 staff members and 104,000 K-12 students.

“As educators, we have the responsibility to prepare every student for life. Financial literacy is the foundation to a secure future.” said Glenton Gilzean, Jr., Pinellas School Board Member. “We believe that by incorporating these programs, we are providing critical life skills and well-rounded educational opportunities that will serve Pinellas County graduates throughout their lives and careers.”

Fifth Third Bank employees residing in Pinellas County will teach and mentor students through the following programs which will be initiated under the “Foundations in Personal Finance” partnership:

• Empower U: This financial empowerment program for PCS teachers and staff will include customized seminars, credit and finance consultation, and advisory services.

• Young Bankers Club: This 10-week summer enrichment program teaches money basics, including the importance of saving and how education and career choices affect students’ futures. The basic finance and personal responsibility lessons are reinforced by field trips to a local Fifth Third Bank Operations or Banking Center.

• Teach A Student To Save: Middle school students will benefit from this one-day class that emphasizes the importance of saving and ways to achieve financial goals.

• Dave Ramsey Curriculum: Geared toward high school students, this coursework designed by financial expert Dave Ramsey will be incorporated into pre-existing classes and will teach students about the importance of their financial futures. Through DVD lectures, a workbook and online content, students learn the value of saving, spending and giving. Educators can incorporate turn-key resources – including lesson plans, tests, activities and other supplemental material. Fifth Third Bank employees will serve as guest teacher-mentors throughout the school year.

“Fifth Third Bank has a vested interest in the success of this partnership – for our employees’ children who attend school here and for our community,” said Brian Lamb, president of Fifth Third Bank (Tampa Bay). “The importance of understanding mortgages, credit and budgets is vital for everyone’s success because they are our future leaders. Financial literacy directly impacts quality of life. The collaboration between Fifth Third Bank and Pinellas County Schools will prepare teachers and students to make sound financial decisions.”

All programs meet local and state educational standards for mathematics and economics. Implementation and operation of this program is at zero cost to the School Board of Pinellas County.