Kids Encouraged To Save

A new program geared to school-age children teaches them about money and lets them open savings accounts.

The Kid Savers program is designed to be put on school computers or other educational sites. It teaches children about financial matters through a money game from Simon & Schuster, allows them to open a savings account at one of a network of participating financial institutions, and encourages them to take part in the banking process by helping to gather money and market the "bank." Deposits are placed in envelopes delivered to the software developer - Technology Integration Groups Services, Inc. - which then issues reports and delivers lump sum amounts to financial institutions.

Banks can participate either by being a sponsor (buying the software for a school), being part of a network of participating depository institutions, or setting up a program within bank branches.

For information, visit www.kidsaversnetwork.com.

Copyright © 2001 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 11, No. 7, 7/01