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10 Clinton Savings Bank S upporting financial literacy is at the heart of Clinton Savings Bank's commitment to the communities it serves. rough online education tools and in-class presenta- tions, local students learn important money management skills such as budgeting, saving and understanding credit. "Providing these resources at an early age helps young people build a strong financial foundation and make informed financial decisions for their future," said Mary T. Dean, Clinton Savings Bank's president and CEO. "We believe that strong communities are built through education, opportunity and support." For the past 12 years, students at Tahanto Regional High School have been learning about banking in a unique way. Not only do they study financial concepts in the classroom through a robust curriculum, they apply that knowledge in a real bank- ing environment—a CSB branch located in the school. Each year, between 40 and 50 students participate in the banking program through courses, internships or hands-on experience at the school branch, noted Richard Cameron, prin- cipal at Tahanto Regional Middle/High School. "Programs like this show what's possible when schools and community partners work together," he said. "Our goal is to ensure students graduate from Tahanto not only academically prepared, but also ready to navigate the financial realities of adulthood with confidence." Clinton Savings Bank is a local community sponsor partner for Banzai, covering costs for use of its online soware, resource library and printed booklets. Tahanto's year-long financial literacy course starts with topics like currency security features and check handling. Students are then taught the bank teller system and begin working on the school branch's teller line. "I love this class! It's so amazing that I get an opportunity to experience a working environment while also learning about my future finances, said Tahanto student Bryan S. at sentiment is shared by his classmates, more than one of whom described the financial literacy course as important and enjoyable. "e banking program at Tahanto has given me the oppor- tunity to experience real world situations within banking and finances. It has helped me to build confidence in handling money, taking on responsibilities and learning about banking elements that'll help me in the future," said student Gianna A. "It's been a great opportunity to learn skills that'll be useful in my life aer high school." Student Natalia F. agreed. "Being in the Clinton Savings Bank Program is actually fun. It's not just about money, it's about learning life skills, working with others and feeling more confi- dent about your future." Elder Fraud: Program assists older adults by helping to prevent fraud Every year, older adults lose billions of dollars to f raud. Financial abuse against seniors can range f rom illegal debits to third-party scams or unauthorized bank with- drawals by an approved caregiver. According to the American Bankers Association, people over age 50 make up one-third of the population but ac- count for 61% of bank accounts and 70% of bank deposits. To proactively protect older adults, Clinton Savings Bank has become a proud participant in the ABA's Safe Banking for Seniors (SBFS) program. Clinton Savings Bank joins banks across the country to help combat financial f raud targeting older adults, their families and caregivers. Programs are offered on f raud prevention, scam awareness, identity theft, elder financial safety and more. This initiative includes the Bank hosting seminars and presentations aimed at helping individuals identify and pre- vent financial f raud and abuse. These outreach efforts feature programs such as "Fraud and Scams" at the Village at Orchard Meadows; "Financial Fitness & Safety" at the Shrewsbury Senior Center Health Fair and Lancaster Community Safety Day; "Scam Awareness" at the West Boylston Se- nior Lunch & Fraud Presentation and the Boylston Senior Citizens Luncheon; and "Identity Theft and Scams" at the Shrewsbury Council on Aging, Boylston Council on Aging, and Fitchburg Housing Authority. Clinton Savings Bank also provides guidance on budgeting and financial literacy and plans to continue expanding its efforts to combat elder f raud in the future. Clinton Savings Bank's financial literacy initiative teaches students real world skills Tahanto Regional High School