Banking on Our Future

Improving the financial literacy of our communities is a top priority for Oregon banks. Through the educational program Banking on Our Future, Bank of the West is helping kids become financially savvy so they can avoid the pitfalls many of their parents are facing today.

The Banking on Our Future program is a partnership between local banks and Operation Hope, an international non-profit dedicated to financial education around the globe. With 70% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, the need for financial curriculum in our schools is greater than ever, and Operation Hope is proud to partner with banks to help provide this needed service to our children. "Bank of the West is one of our most active partners in Portland," notes Operation Hope Program Manager, David Bell.

Most recently, Bank of the West bankers volunteered to teach financial fundamentals to 6th through 8th graders at King School in Portland, Oregon. The classes teach kids to appreciate saving money, balance a budget, use a checking account, make deposits and understand some basic principles of credit.

"We had 8 bankers and David Bell from Operation Hope teaching almost 100 students in six classrooms," recalls Jim Cole, spokesman for Bank of the West. "Each student received a coupon to open a savings account at Bank of the West. The bank will match each student's savings contribution up to $50."

Jim notes the students were very interested in the financial crisis and what was happening in Washington D.C. The current troubles are opening students' eyes to the need to better understand how money works. Fortunately, Bank of the West and Operation Hope are working together to help make sure these kids learn to avoid making the same mistakes.

For more information about how to bring Banking on Our Future to your local schools, contact David Bell at david.bell@operationhope.org, or stop by your local Bank of the West Branch.