North Cascades Bank Reaches 353 Students through Online Financial Education Program

Chelan – In the 2016-2017 academic year, six North Central Washington elementary schools implemented “The Vault,” a free, digital financial education program. North Cascades Bank has partnered with leading education technology company EverFi, Inc. to bring this interactive, web-based financial management program to local schools since the program’s inception in 2014. In 2017, the program has already reached more than 350 students.

 “North Cascades Bank is proud to have empowered so many students with the essential skills needed to make sound financial decisions. It’s a testament to our investment in our local communities,” Scott Anderson, president of North Cascades Bank said. “It is crucial that our younger generation understand important aspects of personal finance like the difference between wants and needs and how to make a budget, and this course is providing them with the knowledge needed to successfully navigate the increasingly complex financial world we live in.”

The 353 students reached through The Vault completed 920 hours of learning during the 2016-17 school year. Students’ understanding of key financial topics rose by an average 56% based on pre- and post-assessment scores. Among the valuable topics covered were saving, banking, investing, renting versus owning, credit scores, taxes and insurance, and consumer fraud.

“Thank you for the Vault program and the fun celebration you organized at the school last week,” said a teacher using the program. “I was impressed with how well the kids responded to the financial game questions. We look forward to working with you and using the program next year!”

North Cascades Bank’s partnership with EverFi, Inc. brings the program to local students at no cost to the schools or the taxpayer. The Vault program uses the latest in simulation and gaming technologies to bring complex financial concepts to life for today’s digital generation and introduce financial literacy skills early in a child’s cognitive development.

North Cascades Bank is a division of Glacier Bank of Kalispell, Montana.