Foundation, PNB partner on teacher incentive program

The M&M Area Community Foundation (MMACF) has again partnered with Peshtigo National Bank on a “Teacher Incentive Program.” This innovative program provides grants to teachers who include financial literacy in their student’s curriculum. School staff throughout Marinette and Menominee counties participating in the MMACF’s Future Fund children’s savings account program are eligible to apply. The funding for the awards is provided by Peshtigo National Bank.

The Future Fund is a children’s savings account initiative established and run by the Community Foundation. A $50 savings account has been established for kindergarten students at schools across Marinette and Menominee Counties, beginning with the 2019–2020 school year. The Foundation’s support does not end with kindergarten — each year until graduation the Foundation will add more money to every child’s account. Future Fund accounts may be accessed upon high school graduation to assist with expenses related to career training or post-secondary education.

“Financial Literacy Month is celebrated each April, which makes this the perfect time for students to learn about the importance of saving for post-high school education and training,” said Kelly Heroux, President of Peshtigo National Bank. “Good money habits and learning to save make a difference to young people preparing for their future.”

Parents rank teaching financial responsibility to their children near the top of their educational wish list. Financial literacy means having both the knowledge and capacity to manage personal and household finances, as well as the ability to reach meaningful goals.

“The Teacher Incentive Program supports teachers who wish to further their students’ financial skills. Having a Future Fund savings account provides a positive and practical application for students to learn about money,” stated Paula Gruszynski, Executive Director of the MMACF.

The Community Foundation has committed to raising the $2 million necessary to make permanent the Future Fund children’s saving program.

The Foundation welcomes community support to assist and grow the Future Fund and the opportunities it provides our children. For more information on how to give back to our communities via the Future Fund, please contact the Community Foundation at 906-864-3599. Checks for this Fund may be mailed to the MMACF at 1110 10th Avenue, Suite L-1, Menominee, MI 49858 or made online at www.mmacf.org.