MCC third graders visited Safe Harbor Credit Union in Pere Marquette Township.
West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press.
More than 1,600 Mason County students from kindergarten through fifth grade recently participated in KickStart to Career (K2C) Spring Deposit Days and deposited a total of $9,045.93 into their child savings accounts. K2C is a collaborative effort between the Community Foundation for Mason County, Mason County schools, and local financial institutions. Now in its sixth year, the program encourages early savings habits for future education and career pathways.
During three days in March, Deposit Days brought financial literacy to life for students across Mason County. Each third-grade class in the county visited West Shore Bank or Safe Harbor Credit Union, learning about ATMs, drive-thru banking, automated money counters, and other financial operations. Every participant had the opportunity to make a deposit into their K2C child savings account, with third graders making deposits in person and other grades depositing through their teachers. Dedicated K2C volunteers visited classrooms, delivering grade-specific educational content and fun activities focused on financial planning.
“We are incredibly proud of the continued success of Deposit Days and the positive influence it has on our young learners,” said Becky Bruett, KickStart to Career coordinator at the Community Foundation for Mason County. “Witnessing the students’ engagement with financial concepts and their excitement reinforces this program’s important role in laying a foundation for the future.”
The success of K2C Deposit Days is due to community collaboration. Key partners include West Shore Bank and Safe Harbor Credit Union, the third-grade hosts and sponsors for the financial curriculum. West Shore Bank houses all of the K2C child savings accounts. West Shore Educational Service District also sponsors the curriculum for the program.
Grade-level sponsors provide financial support by ensuring that every child in the program receives an annual deposit of $10. These sponsors include Carol Nelson, Ludrock, Scottville and Ludington Optimist clubs, Safe Harbor Credit Union, West Shore Bank, and United Way of Mason County. The John and Anita Wilson Family Fund of the Community Foundation provides the initial $50 seed deposit for each kindergartener’s account. Joan Hasenbank, Mary Church, and Patrick and Maria O’Hare also provide significant program support. Dedicated individuals, including teachers, administrators, and bank representatives, champion the program and deliver financial literacy education within the schools.
Students have opportunities to earn other incentives during the school year as well. Every participant can earn a $5 deposit for participating in March is Reading Month activities and by reaching their 100-mile challenge goal in the Win with Wellness program. Adam and Christine Lamb provided additional matching funds for Ludington Area Catholic (LAC) School third graders and Nader’s Motel & Suites for LAC fifth-grade students.
Friends and family can contribute to a participating student’s K2C savings account anytime by visiting a local West Shore Bank branch and providing the student’s name, school, and date of birth.
KickStart to Career adds another grade level to the program each school year and is currently seeking an individual, business, or group to sponsor 6th grade beginning next school year. Individuals and organizations interested in becoming a grade-level sponsor and those seeking more information about K2C may visit https://mason-foundation.org/impact/education/kick-start-to-career/ or contact Becky Bruett, KickStart to Career Coordinator, at kickstart@cffmc.org.
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