Bank sponsors financial literacy program in schools

Washington Trust announced last week that it is sponsoring free financial education classroom materials and training for 29 public middle and high schools throughout Rhode Island for the fourth consecutive year.

Teachers can access free digital courses, articles, financial calculators, interactive coaching sessions and more through Washington Trust’s partnership with Banzai, an online financial education program that teaches students to how to manage a budget, save for a goal and understand credit.

Banzai’s education program aligns with Rhode Island’s K-12 academic standards, making the program a fun way for students to gain vital skills that help them meet the new financial literacy graduation requirements.  Banzai is offered in 12 different languages.

Washington Trust employees are also lending their time and talent to provide interactive classroom lessons on financial literacy topics such as basic budgeting, savings and emergency funds, establishing and managing credit and introduction to investing.

For the 2025-2026 school year, Washington Trust’s local partner schools include:

• Cranston High School East
• Cranston High School West
• Hugh B. Bain Middle School (Cranston)
• Johnston Senior High School (Johnston)
• Pilgrim High School (Warwick)
• Toll Gate High School (Warwick)

In addition to the curriculum materials and classroom training, Washington Trust has an online Financial Wellness Center  that contains articles, calculators, security and money-management tips, as well as web-based learning tools and other resources.

For more information about partnering with Washington Trust to offer financial literacy resources to your students, contact Jillian Balzano, assistant vice president, community relations at jrbalzano@washtrust.com.