Rockford Sun

Stateline Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Sept. 15.

First National Bank and Trust (FNBT) has released annual impact data for the financial education curriculum it provides to high school students across Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The digital Sound Advice Scholars program, made available to high schools at no cost through FNBT’s relationship with leading social impact education innovator EVERFI, supported distance learning amidst widespread school closures driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2019-20 academic year.

Since launching the program in 2017, FNBT has successfully grown the program and its impact on students, schools, and local communities. To date, more than 2,150 students have taken the course in 9 schools. Some of the impressive highlights from the 2019-2020 school year include:

612 students actively participating

9 schools actively participating

1508 hours of learning time

33% knowledge gain for students who took this course

“Now more than ever, the importance of financial education is evident as we navigate unprecedented times,” said Laura Pomerene, Senior Vice President & Marketing Director at FNBT. “The lessons students learn at school stick with them later in life. It is just good Sound Advice to discuss money management with high school students before they head off to college and into the working world.”

The Sound Advice Scholars financial education program at FNBT is designed to equip students with critical financial related education needed to confidently and successfully navigate our evolving world. While school curricula are typically focused on core subjects, it is believed that also teaching important life skills plays an important role in addressing some of the educational gaps that are necessary to bridge for overall societal advancement. To learn more about the program, visit the Sound Advice Scholars resource center for educators.

EVERFI, Inc. is an international technology company driving social change through education to address the most challenging issues affecting society ranging from financial wellness to prescription drug safety to workplace conduct and other critical topics. Founded in 2008, EVERFI is fueled by its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) community engagement platform and has reached more than 41 million learners globally. Recognized as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company in 2020, EVERFI powers community engagement in a sustained manner to empower individuals and organizations to make an impact within their communities. The Company also convenes Networks to bring together financial institutions, colleges, and universities, and some of the largest corporations to leverage insights and connections to drive impact. Some of America’s leading CEOs and venture capital firms are EVERFI investors including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, Twitter founder Evan Williams, as well as Advance, Rethink Education and Rethink Impact. To learn more about EVERFI visit everfi.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter @EVERFI.

First National Bank and Trust Company is a family-focused, community bank headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. Chartered in 1882, First National Bank and Trust has grown to be a leading financial services institution offering products and services for consumers and businesses, as well as trust, retirement services, investment management, brokerage and insurance. We now serve nearly 30,000 households in 13 communities and 16 locations in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with assets of approximately $1.2 billion. We treat our customers, employees, shareholders and communities like family, with a goal of helping all our families succeed. Providing Sound Advice and delivering an exceptional experience has positioned First National Bank and Trust as a Stateline leader in the industry. For additional information, visit bankatfirstnational.com.

Original source can be found here.