Iowa Bankers Association

Rep. Linda Upmeyer honored the CAL Community School sixth graders as the first students in the state to complete the Vault™ ‐ Understanding Money platform by presenting them with their Vault™ Certificate in Financial Decision Making at a ceremony held May 18that the CAL Community School. Vault™, powered by EverFi, is a new web-based  financial literacy platform  geared toward students in 4th through 6th grade.

“We are excited to sponsor EverFi’s Vault platform,” said Ron Raney, president of Hampton State Bank. “Expanding our initiative to help students learn about financial matters is a top priority for our bank.” Raney continued, “The financial knowledge the students now have will set the tone for the decisions they make in their future.”

The Vault platform covers six easy-to-follow learning groups that map to both the Iowa Core and national educational standards for financial literacy. Vault’s online interactive lessons focus on skill building and decision making, from learning how to control spending, to going to trusted adults for financial advice. Customized tools and activities allow students to brainstorm creative ways they can start to earn money and begin thinking about their long-term career goals.

“Vault was a wonderful addition to CAL’s 6th grade math course this spring semester,” said Mark Drier, CAL math teacher. “When I told the class they were going back to their regular math textbooks, they were sad. They said the learning they were doing in the program was fun!”

In addition, Rep. Upmeyer recognized CAL high school students who earned certification in the Iowa Financial Literacy Program. In March 2011, CAL High School was the first school in Iowa to complete the Iowa Financial Literacy Program and receive their financial literacy certification.

Hampton State Bank’s support and financial commitment made it possible to bring both Vault and the high school focused Iowa Financial Literacy Program to CAL Community School. The Iowa College Student Aid Commission is the statewide partner for the Iowa Financial Literacy Program and hosts the program on the I Have A Plan Iowa website. The online platform, endorsed by the Iowa Bankers Association and powered by EverFi, is incorporated into the school’s existing curricula. The Iowa Financial Literacy Program uses the latest in new media technologies – 3‐D gaming, social networking, online animations, video, and messaging tools –to bring complex financial concepts to life. Upon completion, students are certified in more than 600 core topics in personal finance. The effort is part of a statewide financial literacy initiative. The learning modules meet the financial literacy essential concepts and skills of the Iowa Core, which must be implemented in Iowa high schools by July 1, 2012 and requires that students leave high school prepared to face 21st century challenges.

“Financial literacy is a key initiative for our agency,” said Karen Misjak, executive director of Iowa College Aid. “The Iowa Financial Literacy Program will help students learn concepts such as budgeting, saving, using credit cards wisely, and making smart borrowing decisions before they go to college or enter the workforce,” explained Misjak.

“Iowa bankers believe in the value of financial literacy, and they are committed to supporting educational opportunities in their communities,” said John Sorensen, president and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association. “On behalf of the Iowa Bankers Association, I’d like to commend Hampton State Bank for their support and leadership of such a worthwhile financial literacy initiative.”

About Hampton State Bank

The Hampton State Bank is a locally owned and independent community bank. It is 100% owned and operated by the Davis family of Hampton, Iowa. The Hampton State Bank and the Davis Family have deep roots in Franklin County. It is the family’s desire to support the communities and school systems by contributing volunteer time and financial support. Hampton State Bank’s website is www.hamptonstate.com.

About EverFi

EverFi, Inc. is the leading education technology company to teach, assess, and certify students in critical skills. EverFi’s education learning platforms include Financial Literacy, Student Loan Management, Digital Literacy, Cyberbullying, and Alcohol Abuse Awareness. The company uses the latest technology, including rich media, high-definition video, simulation, diagrams, and avatars. EverFi teams with major corporations and foundations to provide the programs at no cost to K-12 schools. EverFi’s website is www.everfi.com.

Iowa College Aid, Iowa Bankers Association and EverFi, Inc., challenged students in the Iowa Financial Literacy Program powered by EverFi to create a video to inform their peers about a financial literacy topic. A team of students from Interstate 35 High School in Truro is the first-place winner of the first-ever Iowa Financial Literacy Program (IFLiP) Video CLiP Challenge. The school’s Iowa Financial Literacy Program is sponsored by American State Bank in Osceola.

[Click here, learn more about the IFLiP Video CLiP Challenge.]

Students Wyatt Oliver, Nick Petersen, Forrest Beeler and Hunter Wearmouth, under the guidance of their business teacher, Kristine Zuercher, created the video, “Saving Money,” about the importance of being financially literate. As a result of their winning entry, Interstate 35 High School was awarded a $1,000 technology grant, courtesy of Iowa Bankers Association, and the students received $250 for their team to share, courtesy of EverFi, Inc.

“Having the opportunity to use the Iowa Financial Literacy Program with our juniors in their Life Skills class has been a great way for them to learn more about financial literacy,” Zuercher said. “Educators have to come to realize that learning about managing finances is an important skill our students need to acquire for them to succeed in their future endeavors. The program allows students to learn important financial concepts at their own pace and in an interactive form that they enjoy.”

The Iowa Financial Literacy Program is a web-based program that uses the latest in new media technologies – video, animations, 3-D gaming, avatars and social networking – to bring complex financial concepts to life for today’s digital generation. American State Bank has proudly sponsored the Iowa Financial Literacy Program in its communities since 2010. The bank is currently sponsoring six schools, including Clarke Community High School, Lamoni High School, Central Decatur High School, Winterset High School and, of course, Interstate 35 High School.

“The schools that we worked with all had their own technology challenges,” said Sandy Palmer, assistant vice president of deposit services/personal banker at American State Bank. “EverFi was so great to work with and helped each school overcome those challenges.”

Through the program, students become certified in over 600 topics in financial education, allowing them to become more informed, responsible citizens. Delayne Herbert, a junior in Ms. Zuercher’s class at Interstate 35 High School, commented:

“No matter what in life, money is always going to be an issue, and learning about taxes, savings accounts, investing and mortgages are all things people need to have at least an idea about to be successful with their money. Not only did [the Iowa Financial Literacy Program] have crucial information, but it wasn’t boring! I think a program like this should be a required class for high school kids because we need to know this information for the future.”

American State Bank currently has 357 students enrolled in the Iowa Financial Literacy Program, and at the end of the year, students who complete the program are presented with a certificate at their high school’s awards event. The bank also awards a $250 scholarship to one student in the program at each school.

“I think that kids need to be aware of what they will be facing when they go off to college and are on their own,” Palmer said. “This program helps prepare them for the future by teaching them how to make smart financial decisions. It is so important that they know about credit card debt, student loans and saving so they don’t make the same mistakes that so many students make today.”