Pub. 2 2013 Issue 1

16 l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s F INANCIAL LITERACY HAS BEEN A PLATFORM THAT KBAChairman Frank Carson has promoted since his induction to the top office inAugust 2012. “Financial literacy is not a new topic and we’ve all seen different programs through the years. What’s different now is that we have the opportunity to come together and use a program driven by current technology that students respond to,” stated Carson. The EverFi web-based technology uses the newest innovations such as 3D gaming, social networking, animations and messaging to present complex learning tools in their modules. The program simulates real life situations and demonstrates how to plan for money management. It works at the students’ pace and includes adaptive technology to reiterate the areas that need enhancement. Carson is not alone in his passion to reach the youth in his commu- nity. Leonard Wolfe, Chairman-elect, Bob Leftwich, Treasurer and John Lehman, Past Chairman, have also gotten onboard. The online training platform has been enthusiastically received by over 50 Kansas schools with 19 sponsoring banks. Teachers have received the program well as it works with curriculum to enhance learning. Randy Fox, a teacher from Mulvane High School stated, “The Kansas Financial Scholars Program, provided by sponsorship from Carson Bank, was a great learning op- portunity for our senior students. The material was presented in a very organized, but easy-to-understand manner. It covered many topics that will be a great help for our students; including higher education financing, taxes, payments, interest and renting vs. owning among others. Thank you Carson Bank and EverFi for making this program available to Mulvane High School.” Through modern innovation and a community partnership between banks and schools, students have access to the 10 module curriculum that covers topics such as banking, credit scores, insurance, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, taxes, stocks and savings plans to include 401K and other critical concepts. “I am excited to meet students in my community and help provide this vital information through a formal, award-winning program,” explained Carson. “If we can reach kids now through new banking technologies, we can partner with them for their financial needs even if they move to New York City,” he continued. While community reinvestment and helping local students achieve certification in financial literacy is a noteworthy objective, the sponsoring banks also have an opportunity to create marketing and public relations strategies using this partnership as a springboard. The program can be private labeled in your school, which allows you to showcase your brand to students, parents and teachers. KBA LEADERSHIP PARTNERS WITH EVERFI FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY