Empowering young entrepreneurs, local bank launches new student financial wellness programming
March 31, 2025
Arcadia, WI, April 1, 2025 - First National Bank and Trust Company believes in the power of financial wellness and entrepreneurship to shape the future of our community. In celebration of national financial literacy month, one of these innovative initiatives includes the Great Food Truck Race, which is designed to teach third-grade students the importance of having a household budget while introducing them to the entrepreneurial mindset. Participating schools included Arcadia Elementary, Holy Family Catholic Elementary and Whitehall Elementary with a total of eight classroom engagements.
The Great Food Truck Race is more than just a competition; it's an educational journey where students design their own food trucks and learn the fundamentals of budgeting and business. The winning designs receive a cash prize of $5 to kickstart their savings, fostering a sense of financial responsibility from a young age.
Financial wellness programming is made possible by First National Bank and Trust Company's mission to reinvest 10 percent of its pre-tax income back into the community. This inaugural program immerses students in a money-smart curriculum and entrepreneurship, culminating in a friendly competition where they create and market their own food trucks. First National Bank and Trust Company is committed to promoting financial wellness through engaging and hands-on experiences.
“It's encouraging to see students showcase their creativity and problem solving and be exposed to entrepreneurial skills in a hands-on way," said Josh Grzadzielewski, Vice President of Ag & Business Banking at First National Bank & Trust Company “The more students learn how to manage money at an earlier age, the more knowledge they have for future financial decisions."
The Food Truck Race project helps instill financial responsibility and entrepreneurial spirit. Students take ownership of their projects and thrive, making the experience both educational and fun. The program not only helps foster new business ventures but also creates one-of-a-kind keepsakes for students to take home and share these valuable lessons with their family members.
"Our third graders had an awesome time with The Great Food Truck Race program, thanks to our local bank’s visit. They were very engaged as they learned about money and how to use it in a way that really made sense to them," said Konor Bork, 3rd grade teacher at Whitehall School District.
"This program connects lessons to real life at home with their families. Students loved getting creative decorating their trucks and working with their families to bring their ideas to life. They were excited to share their projects, and many made connections to family businesses or dreams of running their own one day. We’re so grateful for this experience with First National Bank and Trust Company, and the impact it had on our students," continued Bork.
First National Bank and Trust Company is proud to support initiatives like the Great Food Truck Race that empower youth and prepare them for a financially responsible future. Additionally, the company is proud to champion financial wellness within the community and is dedicated to empowering both individuals and students to make informed decisions and secure their financial future.
To learn more about our mission, visit firstnbtc.com/about/our-mission.
About First National Bank & Trust Company: First National Bank & Trust Company is a community bank with locations in Clinton, Illinois, and Arcadia and Whitehall, Wisconsin. Committed to community prosperity, the bank was chartered in 1872 under the name DeWitt County National Bank and became part of TS Banking Group in 2017. With $400 million in assets, First National Bank & Trust Company reinvests 10% of its pretax profits back into the community. For more information, visit firstnbtc.com.