Program helps Linden students learn about saving money

First State Bank’s newest branch is catering to a younger clientele.

The bank and Linden Elementary School launched the Linden Leopard Branch during a ceremony Tuesday morning at the school.

“This is very important for the youth that they understand the importance of saving, and what a better way to do this,” First State president Chuck Johannsen said.

The Bank-in-School Program at Linden will be one of only a handful that exist in the state, Johannsen said.

At the Linden branch, students who are in grades 3-5 will be able to deposit money into a saving account.

They will not be able to withdraw the money unless they leave the school or reach middle school, principal Bob Robinson said.

“The key to the whole thing is being able to stash that money away for future use and not just being able to grab that dollar bill and head to the grocery store for candy,” Robinson said.

And students who make deposits will be working with their fellow students.

Twelve fifth-graders were chosen to be student workers at the branch. They were chosen after filling out applications, going through an interview process and completing training.

“I compliment the kids on their maturity,“ Robinson said. “They were great.”

Eight of the students will serve as tellers while three will be involved in marketing. Aysia Webb will serve as the student branch manager.

“You’ve got leaders by example,” said Cindy Slykhuis, First State assistant vice president of marketing. “We could come in and take deposits and do all that, but it’s not the same as having our youth here doing those jobs.”

Slykhuis also believes Webb will do well in her role as branch manager.

“She’s a great young lady and I think she’s going to be an excellent example for the entire staff,” Slykhuis said.

The branch will be open from 7:30-8 a.m. on Tuesdays, Robinson said. First State Bank representatives will be on hand to provide assistance.

Slykhuis believes the students at Linden will benefit from learning banking lessons while they are young.

“The habits you establish early on in life are the ones that are going to work well for you later on,” she said. “If we can teach kids to save early on, that’s a good thing because that’s a hard lesson to learn later.”