CBT Bank provides remote-learning​ financial literacy program for local schools

Lizzie Fitts -

Originally posted on theprogressnews.com

Local students are getting a free education in how to manage their money.

CBT Bank, a division of Riverview Bank, is working with Banzai, a national award-winning financial literacy program, to make an online, remote-friendly curriculum available to schools in the area at no cost.

Local schools taking advantage of the program are Clearfield Area Jr./Sr. High School, Clearfield County Career & Technology Center, Curwensville Area Jr./Sr. High School, DuBois Central Catholic School and Harmony Area Jr./Sr. High School.

“Banzai is a web-based financial literacy program. Kids get their own accounts, and they work through assignments that are based on real life,” Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai, said. “But because CBT Bank is sponsoring it, local schools get it for free. More than ever, it’s important that kids develop sound financial skills to prepare them for the real world, and CBT Bank realizes that and they’re doing something about it.”

Banzai is an interactive, online program supplemented by printed workbooks and aligns with Pennsylvania state curriculum requirements for personal finance education. The course work can be completed on any internet enabled computer or mobile device, and teachers are able to monitor student progress remotely. It has become the largest program of its kind, servicing more than 60,000 teachers nationwide.

CBT Bank has offered time, money, industry experience, and a variety of bank resources to help local schools teach personal finance in the classroom. Students using the program are exposed to real-life scenarios where they learn to pay bills and balance a budget – but it’s not always easy.

Students must learn to manage unexpected expenses such as parking tickets, interest charges and overdraft fees. The educational program also introduces students to auto loans, bank statements, entertainment costs, savings and more.

Teachers interested in using the Banzai program can visit cbtbank.teachbanzai.com or call (888) 822-6924.