Empowering Financial Wellness: TS Bank's Commitment to Community
May 9, 2024
Council Bluffs, IA, Wednesday, May 9, 2024 - As the academic calendar draws to a close, TS Bank's in-school student-led banks celebrate the culmination of another rewarding year. Established in 2009 as part of TS Bank’s ongoing commitment to financial wellness, these programs have been instrumental in shaping the financial literacy landscape in southwest Iowa.
TS Bank’s four local student-led banks at Rue, Franklin, and College View, along with Treynor Elementary, have continued to thrive. Nearly 6,000 deposits were made by students, contributing to the financial education of over 10,000 students annually.
Since its inception, the program has seen remarkable growth. The Treynor Elementary Cardinal Branch kicked off in 2010, followed by Rue Elementary Junior Jacket Branch in 2013, Franklin Elementary Junior Jacket Branch in 2015, and College View Little Lynx Branch in 2017.
Pictured above are student bankers for the Franklin Jr. Jacket Branch, College View Little Lynx Branch, Rue Jr. Jacket Branch and Cardinal Branch.
The approach goes beyond traditional banking. Students are introduced to financial concepts through hands-on training, empowering them to make sound money decisions from an early age. Recognized as pioneers in the field, TS Bank's in-school branches are among the first in Iowa and second in the nation to offer a unique combination of K-12 banking and classroom experience.
Dawn Bauer, Instructional Math Coach at Franklin Elementary School shared, "Our student bankers are learning valuable skills while helping others. From their interactions with peers and adults to the math they tackle, these experiences will stay with them long after they leave our halls."
In addition to in-school banking programs, TS Bank is committed to promoting financial literacy through innovative initiatives like the Great Food Truck Race. This program engages third-grade students in money-smart curriculum and entrepreneurship, culminating in a friendly competition where students create and market their own food trucks.
Rue and College View Elementary student winners of the Great Food Truck Race pose proudly with their one-of-a-kind pieces.
"The Great Food Truck Race project is a fantastic way to instill financial responsibility and entrepreneurial spirit in our students. It's inspiring to see them take ownership and thrive in a real-world setting,” stated Jamie Ryba, 3rd-grade teacher at Rue Elementary.
The program helps foster new business ventures and creates one-of-a-kind keepsakes for students to take home and share these lessons with other family members.
Franklin and Treynor Elementary School Great Food Truck Race Winners.
“Our students embraced the opportunity to become entrepreneurs. They showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills, making the experience both educational and enjoyable,” echoed Nicole Young, 3rd-grade teacher at Treynor Elementary.
Beyond school partnerships, TS Bank continues to champion financial wellness within the community. From financial education events to free money management courses, TS Bank is dedicated to empowering individuals to make informed decisions and secure their financial future.
“Students in our schools are excited to learn ways they can be ‘money smart’,” said Traci Dresher, TS Bank Programs Manager. “The more students learn how to manage money; they build on that knowledge and make money work for them today and in their tomorrows.”
In reflection on another successful year, TS Bank remains committed to building a brighter, more financially savvy future for our community. Friday, May 10, 2024, at College View Elementary School and Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Franklin Elementary School both opening at 9:30 a.m. will mark the final in-school banking day of the academic school year.
To learn more about our mission, visit tsbank.com/about/our-mission.
About TS Bank: TS Bank’s mission is to Ignite Prosperity® in the communities it serves. Leading the resurgence of community banking, TS Bank reinvests 10 percent of their net income locally; hosting educational events and partners with local organizations and non-profits. TS Bank was chartered in 1923 and has $423 million in assets, along with the largest Iowa state-chartered C-Corp trust department west of Des Moines at nearly $218 million in assets named TS Prosperity Group. Locations include Treynor, Macedonia, Atlantic, Corning, Council Bluffs and Ames, Iowa. For more information visit tsbank.com.