Savings Makes "Cents" at UniBank

UniBank announces its support of the Savings Makes “Cents” program at Upton Memorial Elementary School. This program was made possible through UniBank’s partnership with the Massachusetts State Treasury Department. Savings Makes “Cents” is a comprehensive banking program for elementary school children in grades 3 through 6, focusing on teaching the basics of money management. The State Treasurer’s office provides the educational curriculum and the necessary support for banks like UniBank to bring Savings Makes “Cents” to local schools. UniBank representatives then work with the teachers to bring financial literacy to the students.

On December 12, 2006, the program kicked off with a special appearance by former Boston Celtic and 1973 NBA Rookie of the Year, Ernie DiGregorio. Mr. DiGregorio told the children about his journey to success as a basketball player that began while he was playing at Providence College.  A combination of practice and determination led to his career as a member of the Boston Celtics.

While teaching the children about the importance of saving money for college and other financial goals, Mr. DiGregorio effortlessly balanced a spinning basketball at the tip of his finger and showed off his dribbling skills. He offered realistic words of encouragement, stating, “To be good at anything, including saving money, you have to fail first, but always keep trying.”

UniBank Upton Branch’s assistant manager, Marcia Mackin, is the program director and customer service representative, Phil Beando, is the program facilitator. They go to the school weekly to help the teachers of Upton Memorial Elementary School educate the children about basic monetary concepts, including how to open a savings account, the origin of money and basic budgeting skills. The students can open their own savings accounts with UniBank, make deposits to their accounts and watch their money grow. The State Treasury is also running a poetry contest that students can enter; twelve winners statewide will win U.S. Savings Bonds to help them meet their savings goals. There are approximately 100 third grade students currently involved in the program at the Upton Memorial Elementary School.

The Savings Makes “Cents” program began in the 1993/1994 school year in 11 communities; it is now in over 400 schools statewide with the help of financial institutions such as UniBank.  For more information on the Savings Makes “Cents” program, visit the Massachusetts State Treasury’s website at www.mass.gov/treasury.