Understanding how to manage money is a key skill for students, and Mountain View High School’s U.S. Bank branch is helping make that possible by emphasizing the importance of financial literacy—the ability to make informed decisions about saving, budgeting, debt management, and investing. This marks the first time the event has been held at Mountain View, joining the other four campus banking programs sponsored by U.S. Bank. The goal is to encourage and equip students with the knowledge they need to manage their finances effectively and reach their financial goals.

Teachers brought classes from all grade levels to participate in the event, which was hosted by branch manager Sergio Martinez and the bank’s student interns. Additional U.S. Bank employee mentors were also in attendance, each paired with an intern to provide guidance and support—showcasing the strong educational opportunities available for students interested in a career in finance through the school’s internship program.

To make the experience engaging, each student received a map to complete for a snack reward upon returning it. According to Mr. Martinez, over 150 completed maps were collected, marking the event as a clear success. To complete the activity, participants had to visit multiple tables where interns presented on banking topics, explained key terminology, and described the functions of the financial system. Each intern created a tri-fold poster and presented their topic clearly, helping peers boost their financial literacy in a fun and interactive way.

Thanks to its strong turnout and impact, both Principal Bañas and Mr. Martinez expressed interest in making this event a tradition during April’s Financial Literacy Month.