Local Banks Fund Financial Literacy for Grand Valley High School Seniors

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The TRIO Upward Bound program at Grand Valley has formed a partnership with Mercantile Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis to offer financial education to high school seniors. Each year for three years, the institutions will contribute $25,000 to support the Money Masters program, which teaches students about loans, debt, and savings.

Bonnie Jaracz, the office coordinator for TRIO Upward Bound in Grand Rapids, stated that seniors in the Money Masters program could receive between $1,000 and $2,500 from Mercantile Bank. This funding aims to help students handle future expenses and achieve financial independence.

MaryBeth Wott of FHLBI stressed the value of investing in youth and supporting programs like Upward Bound. The program includes practical financial training, such as managing bank accounts, which are part of the Money Masters scholarship.

Jessica Segura, a senior at Union High School, shared that the program's practical lessons, like the 'Game of Life,' taught her the importance of emergency funds and saving. Segura, who intends to study nursing at Grand Valley, feels the financial skills learned will be useful in college.