MAPS Education Foundation begins savings account program
The Marquette Area Public Schools Education Foundation met with parents Thursday at Cherry Creek Elementary to discuss their “1st to Finish” children’s savings accounts program.
"The purpose is that we are saving money in an account, a savings account, for the students so that when they graduate [high school] they will be able to have some funds to start their life after graduation,” said MAPS Education Foundation President, Linda Winslow.
This year, the foundation had enough funds to put $50 in each account for every Marquette-area first grader. Range Bank and Incredible Bank, the foundation’s fiscal partners, will also be donating funds to kick-start the accounts.
"We will be doing this every year for our first graders. We'll be funding it initially with $50 and our bank partners will be adding an additional $10. So each of our students will have a $60 savings account to begin with,” Winslow said.
After the meeting with parents, foundation members and bank partners went around to first grade classrooms to hand out piggy banks to the students.
Winslow adds that these accounts have many benefits, such as teaching financial responsibility and giving incentives to graduate.
"An increased graduation rate, a belief in our students, an increase in self-esteem; we're all so excited about starting this program,” said Winslow.
Winslow adds that anyone can donate to these accounts, and that it's a great way to give back to the community.
"I also believe that our students are our future and that we need to support them so that they can be there to help and support us in the future,” she said.
To donate to specific accounts, visit Range Bank or Incredible Bank, depending on where the child’s account is.
Click here for more on the foundation and for information on making donations, click
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