Regions Bank on Thursday announced plans to expand its portfolio of free educational tools it provides to students and parents alike. The Birmingham-based bank has launched its new financial literacy platforms via WeAreTeachers and iGrad through Regions Next Step, the bank’s financial education program.
WeAreTeachers is an online media brand for educators which delivers real-world math and money activities for K-8 students in Adventures in Math. The free educational program features interactive games, lesson plans, at-home activities and family resources. Adventures in Math is available to everyone and can assist in teaching students math skills and financial responsibility.
“Building healthy financial habits early can help set a strong foundation throughout students’ school years and into adulthood,” said Joye Hehn, Next Step financial education manager for Regions Bank. “These activities provide a fun, engaging way for teachers and parents to introduce young students to the value of money and help them gain financial literacy as they head back into the classroom this fall.”
Regions is also working with the financial wellness education company iGrad to provide money-management resources to students attending select Southeastern Conference (SEC) Universities and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Regions recently launched its custom financial wellness platform for Mississippi State University, with immediate plans to expand to Auburn University followed by more SEC Universities and HBCUs. Through the platform, students have access to a wide array of courses and articles, a student loan-management tool to help students with budgeting, scholarship and job search databases, and more.
Hehn said it is the goal of Regions to empower students by equipping them with the knowledge that is necessary to obtain financial success.
“Whether back-to-school means you’re starting your first year or preparing for graduation, knowledge is power when managing college finances and beyond,” said Hehn. “Through iGrad, Regions is proud to provide students with access to financial education resources to help them build skills they will use now and long after they graduate.”
Beyond these platforms, Regions provides free tools and resources to help students of all ages and their families be financially prepared for back-to-school season and year-round needs. Additional Next Step resources include:
- Back-to-School Budget Worksheet – This option is designed to help people plan and track spending for everything on their back-to-school list, as well as other student activities.
- Next Step for Students Hub – College students and recent graduates can use the articles, worksheets, courses, calculators and other resources available in the hub linked here to improve their money-management skills, navigate student loans and transition from classroom to workplace.
- Next Step Podcasts – The Insights for Students series, linked here, offers saving, budgeting and planning advice for students before, during and after college. These quick, educational Next Step Podcasts are also now launching on the most popular podcast platforms.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
