STATE COLLEGE — Kish Bank reached a record 3,300 elementary students across Central Pennsylvania this year through the American Bankers Association Foundation’s “Teach Children to Save” program, the bank announced this week.

The 2026 program delivered banker-led financial education lessons to students in Mifflin, Juniata, Centre, Huntingdon and Blair counties, marking the highest level of participation in the bank’s history.

According to Kish Bank, 117 employees volunteered to visit 163 classrooms in 17 schools throughout the region, teaching lessons focused on saving money, setting goals and making sound financial decisions.

“This record-breaking year for Teach Children to Save shows what’s possible when committed employees and strong school partners work together,” said Greg Hayes, president and CEO of Kish Bank. “We are proud to have reached so many students across all five counties we serve, while welcoming many new volunteers from the Kish team into this meaningful work.”

Hayes said financial literacy is a lifelong skill and that the program helps students begin developing habits that can support future financial success.

Bank officials noted that demand for financial education resources continues to grow as Pennsylvania schools prepare to meet new state requirements related to financial literacy instruction. Through the program, volunteers provide age-appropriate lessons and educational resources designed to supplement classroom learning.

Susan Wagner, a teacher at Lewistown Elementary School, praised the program’s impact on students.

“This is an excellent program,” Wagner said. “I would like to see this program continue to strengthen the minds of our students regarding savings, goals and the importance of planning financially.”

The Teach Children to Save program is coordinated nationally by the American Bankers Association Foundation and encourages bankers to volunteer in local classrooms to promote financial literacy among young students.