eager students in a classroom raise their hands to ask questions about financial literacy

Strengthening Financial Literacy for Area Students

Education is often the key to long-term success and happiness – to a better way of life. It’s especially important to embrace a culture of financial education early on, which is why we’re helping enhance financial literacy for students in our communities.

In recent years, we’ve brought innovative, fun, practical and hands-on financial learning experiences to multiple middle schools and high schools. Thanks to these efforts, “Financial Literacy 101” has been added to curriculums across North Dakota and central Minnesota.

“Gate City Bank works endlessly to create a better way of life for customers, communities and team members,” says Amanda Torok, Senior Vice President of Culture. “We understand why financial literacy is so important, and we’re truly thankful for the opportunity to give kids a head start on financial success.”

What Is Financial Literacy and Why Is it So Important?

Investopedia describes financial literacy as the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills. When introduced at a young age, it can increase kids’ chances of achieving long-term financial well-being. According to OppU, 53% of adults are financially anxious and 78% of them live paycheck to paycheck, which is all the more reason why financial literacy needs to start early for students.

We’ve understood the importance of teaching financial literacy for years. Since 2015, we’ve made a significant impact:

$60K+
Donated Toward Education Initiatives
5,000+
Students Benefited by the Program
5,000+
Hours of Online Learning Experienced

Additionally, schools have the freedom to tailor the program to their curriculums as they see fit. Through us, students have learned about financial literacy basics such as the following:

  • Saving for college
  • Budgeting properly
  • Using credit cards
  • Addressing fees
  • Making payments
  • Setting savings goals
  • Staying out of debt
  • Setting aside emergency funds
  • Navigating a 401(k)
  • Understanding interest rates
  • Securing loans
  • Preparing taxes
  • Practicing risk management
  • Enhancing credit scores
  • Preventing identity theft

Teachers Are in a Good Position to Provide Best Tips for Financial Literacy.

Our program has been instrumental in establishing financial literacy lesson plans for teachers in area schools, who have openly expressed their institutions should teach financial literacy.

Benjamin Dossenko, a business and computer teacher at Mandan (ND) Middle School, is one of the educators who strongly believe schools should teach financial literacy. Additionally, he says it’s been great to see school administrators further realize why it’s important to teach on the topic.

Gate City Bank looks forward to continuing to improve student financial literacy for years to come.

“This program has allowed our school to have some great conversations about finances. The students have been so engaged, and we really appreciate Gate City Bank for making this all possible.”

Benjamin Dossenko – Mandan Middle School Teacher

Study Up on Other Ways We’re Helping Our Communities:

state delegates YWCA staff and team members hold a ribbon cutting for Grace Garden

Grace Garden

Learn more about how we partnered with YWCA Cass Clay on a supportive housing initiative that promotes an environment of safety, stability and community for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and poverty.

Young man escorts a smiling senior couple on a walk on a beautiful autumn day in North Dakota

Preventing Elder Abuse

Learn how we’re offering extra support to our beloved senior citizens, helping to prevent elder abuse in assisted living homes throughout our communities in ND and MN.

community members look on during a low-income housing grand opening in Fargo ND

Affordable Housing in Fargo-Moorhead

Learn how we’re partnering with the Cass Clay Community Land Trust to establish more affordable housing in the FM community and surrounding area.

Fueling Our Future logo over a bright evening skyline of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo

Fueling Our Future

Big or small, we believe in helping businesses thrive. Learn how we donated $300,000 to support this local economic development initiative, driven by the Chamber of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo.