ABA Banking Journal
The ABA Foundation announced today that it has partnered with First Book — a nonprofit that provides access to books and educational resources to children in need — to launch the ABA Foundation Book Award Program. The program will allow banks to donate financial education-related books as part of their money skills presentations to classrooms around the country.
“The lack of access to books and educational resources is a major issue facing low-income communities,” said ABA SVP Corey Carlisle. “The Book Award Program addresses that problem head-on and provides banks with an opportunity to truly put the ‘literacy’ in financial literacy.”
The Book Award Program will supplement the ABA Foundation’s financial education campaigns, including Teach Children to Save and Get Smart About Credit. Participating banks will be connected with First Book to select book titles for the classes they will be presenting to and purchase the book awards. Educators can then use the funds to purchase the books from the First Book website.
“Through this partnership with the ABA Foundation and the banks across the country, we will help kids become strong readers and smart money managers,” said Kyle Zimmer, First Book president and CEO. “Acquiring both skills at a young age has lifelong benefits, and we’re thrilled to work with the ABA Foundation to make that possible.”
Bankers interested in participating in the program can learn more at informational webinar hosted by the ABA Foundation on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. ET.