The Provident Bank Hosts Local Students of Sparks Academy

Pictured from left to right:  Nashai Jean Davis, Jayde Wolfe, Samiyah Polite, Samaad Polite, Ayokunmi Lapite and Olatunbosun Lapite. These are a few of our students who opened their young savers accounts. In the background Natasha D. Newsom, Banking Center Manager and Antoinette Mitchell- Morgan, Bank Associate.

Throughout this year, The Provident Bank’s Newark branch is welcoming first to fourth grade students from Sparks Academy in Teacher’s Village to educate them on the importance of saving, banking processes and other financial topics.

“Financial literacy is an extremely important skill that should be taught at a very young age as it establishes a foundation for the future,” said Natasha Newsom, branch manager, Provident Bank. “The lessons seem to resonate, because at the end of each session, I would ask ‘Why is it important to have a bank account’, and they would respond with, ‘SAVE MONEY.’”

In addition to a financial literacy lesson, students were given an educational coloring book titled “BEE SMART ABOUT MONEY,” as well as an informational takeaway packet for their parents.

“We believe that the visits were successful in teaching students important banking values, as we’ve had students come in with their families to open young savers accounts,” adds Newsom. “And because of its success, the program is certainly something we will both continue and expand.”

About The Provident Bank

The Provident Bank, (www.providentnj.com) a community-oriented bank offering “Commitment you can count on” since 1839, is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $8.91 billion as of December 31, 2015. With $5.92 billion in deposits, The Provident Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through its network of branches throughout northern and central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company.