In the 2015-2016 academic year, more than 250 Iowa high schools adopted EverFi, a free, online financial literacy program. First Whitney Bank and Trust has partnered with leading education technology company EverFi, Inc., to bring this interactive, web-based financial management program to over 200 students since the program’s inception in 2013.

“First Whitney Bank and Trust is very proud to have reached so many students with critical financial education. It’s a testament to our deep commitment to the Atlantic community,” Chip Hansen said. “It is critical that students understand important aspects of personal finance like what a credit score means and how to save for college, and this program is empowering them with the skills that will put them on a path to financial success.”

The 78 students reached through EverFi High School Financial Literacy course completed 340 individual modules of learning during the 2015-16 school year. Students’ knowledge of key financial topics rose by an average 22 percent based on pre- and post-assessment scores. Among the valuable topics covered were saving, banking, investing, renting versus owning, credit scores, taxes and insurance, and consumer fraud.

First Whitney Bank and Trust has partnered with EverFi, Inc. to bring the program to local students at no cost to the schools or the taxpayer. The eight-hour web-based program uses the latest in new media technology to bring complex financial concepts to life for today’s digital generation. The platform uniquely tracks the progress and performance of every student and provides students who successfully complete the course with certification in financial literacy, a valuable mark of distinction on college applications and resumes. In 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) highlighted EverFi’s schools-based financial education programs in a new report on Advancing K-12 Financial Education: A Guide for Policymakers.

“EverFi strives to help today’s generation prepare for a lifetime of challenging financial decisions”, said EverFi CEO and Founder, Tom Davidson. “We are grateful for our partnership with First Whitney Bank and Trust, which provides students with the critical skills they need to be savvy, responsible consumers.”

(Press Release)