ADAMS, Mass — Charles P. O'Brien, President and CEO of Adams Community Bank, announced that the bank has developed strategic relationships with 11 high schools across Berkshire County to offer a multifaceted financial literacy program this school year.

 

The program is offered through Ramsey Solutions and provides a curriculum to students titled Foundations in Personal Finance. Dovetailing with the bank's goals of increasing financial literacy across Berkshire County, the philosophy of this program is that every student in America should graduate from high school knowing basic money management principles.

 

"We frequently hear from customers seeking ideas and tools to help them better manage their finances," O'Brien said. This series of modules covers topics ranging from saving, budgeting, managing credit and debt, understanding insurance, and paying taxes, and will provide training on many relevant topics. As a champion of education, the bank will underwrite the entire cost of this program at these 11 high schools."

 

According to a Federal Reserve Board report, 40 percent of Americans can't afford a $400 emergency expense. The bank views financial literacy in high schools as essential because it equips students with the knowledge and skills to emerge as independent adult consumers. 

 

Students who receive financial education are more likely to make sound financial decisions and live a lifetime of healthy personal finance.

 

The bank will deploy its resources to help provide the next generation with the financial education necessary for lifelong financial empowerment. This offering is part of a broader initiative by Adams Community Bank to increase the financial

knowledge of the residents and businesses of Berkshire County through outreach and charitable giving.