Citizens Bank opens “Bank in a School” program at Batesville High School and Southside High School

Citizens Bank, headquartered in Batesville, officially recognized the opening of its student-operated bank branches inside Batesville High School and Southside High School on September 19 at the bank’s headquarters.

Citizens Banks has partnered with the Batesville and Southside School Districts to make this possible. These student banking systems will offer savings accounts, credit score education, budgeting education, personal finance management training and bank operations training. This is the first and only program of its kind to operate in the state of Arkansas. The unique caliber of workforce training and financial literacy in the program aim to create a long-lasting impact in the lives of the districts’ students.

“We are proud to announce this partnership and be among fewer than 1% of banks nationwide to operate a program of this nature,” said Citizens Bank President and CEO Adam Mitchell. “Our community is our greatest resource, and by teaching the next generation of professionals financial literacy sooner rather than later, we’re giving them the resources and information they need to be successful adults.”

In attendance in addition to Mitchell were: Micah Beard, Citizens Bank north regional president; Susannah Marshall, state bank commissioner; Dr. Michael Hester, Batesville School District superintendent; and Dion Stevens, Southside School District superintendent. Students from both districts also attended.