(Left to Right) Mara Derderian, CFP, Financial Planning Program Director & Women in Finance Leadership Director, Bryant University; General Treasurer James Diossa; Gregory Young, President of the Financial Planning Association of RI at the Bryant Financial Festival.

Interactive fairs at Rogers, West Warwick and Middletown High Schools help students build real-world budgeting and money-management skills

BankNewport’s commitment to fostering financial literacy among Rhode Island’s youth was on display this spring, as the Bank hosted a series of Financial Education Fairs for over 300 students at William S. Rogers High School in Newport, West Warwick High School and Middletown High School.

Each event was the culmination of a yearlong financial literacy program led by BankNewport, through which students explored a range of practical money-management topics, including career planning, checking and savings accounts, digital banking, personal insurance and the role of credit.

The fairs featured a hands-on budgeting simulation designed to mirror real-world financial choices. After selecting a career, students worked through a variety of income and expense scenarios, including housing, transportation, insurance, groceries and other everyday costs, while connecting with local businesses and volunteers who helped bring classroom concepts to life.

This year’s Financial Education Fairs were held at William S. Rogers High School on April 28, West Warwick High School on May 1 and Middletown High School on May 21. Participating volunteers and community partners included Carey, Richmond & Viking Insurance; the Community College of Rhode Island; Stop & Shop; Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty; Newport County YMCA; Potter League for Animals; Salve Regina University; RISLA College Planning Center; Hyundai of Newport and Newport CDJR; Coldwell Banker Realty; Tasca Chrysler Jeep RAM Dodge Fiat; and others.

Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, who attended the Rogers  High School Fair, imparted wisdom on the students about the importance of maintaining your personal budget.

“We’re proud to support students across Rhode Island with tools and knowledge that will help them make informed financial decisions well into the future,” said Jack Murphy, President and CEO of BankNewport. “These fairs are a powerful way to reinforce classroom learning in a fun, interactive setting, while helping students better understand the everyday financial decisions they will make as adults.”

In addition to the high school fairs, BankNewport also supported a financial literacy event at Bryant University this spring, which brought together more than 200 students from Jorge Alvarez High School, North Kingstown High School, North Providence High School, Smithfield High School and William M. Davies Jr. Career & Technical High School. General Treasurer James A. Diossa attended the Festival as a show of support.

BankNewport’s Financial Education Fairs reflect the Bank’s ongoing commitment to financial literacy and community education across Rhode Island, helping students build confidence, strengthen practical life skills and prepare for future financial success.

About BankNewport:
Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island. BankNewport is one of the oldest banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees, and the community for 206 years. BankNewport has nineteen branch locations, a community lending center in Central Falls, and a commercial lending office in Providence.

BankNewport is committed to supporting nonprofits with areas of impact focused on basic human needs, arts & culture, education success, and healthy lives, thriving communities.  BankNewport has awarded over $12 million in grants, sponsorships, and donations over the past ten years to a wide range of nonprofits to help strengthen and enrich lives and communities throughout Rhode Island. Financial education and community service performed by employees totals 10,000 hours annually. For more information, please visit www.BankNewport.com.