TEAMFAME AND CITIZENS CELEBRATE FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH
April is Financial Literacy Month, and at TeamFAME, it’s a time to equip students with essential financial skills that will serve them for years to come. Now in its seventh year, the impactful partnership between Citizens and TeamFAME continues to empower young people, building their confidence and knowledge to take control of their financial futures.
Over the course of six weeks, 5th – 8th grade students engaged in hands-on, age-appropriate lessons covering key financial concepts. Topics like budgeting, saving, job readiness, and even building a tennis-related budget help bring financial literacy to life in an exciting and relatable way.
Each grade level participates in interactive activities designed to match their age group:
5th graders sharpened their saving skills with a Monopoly-style board game, learning to make smart money choices in a fun, competitive setting.
6th and 7th graders explored the difference between needs and wants, and how to manage a budget—deciding where to cut costs or how to allocate extra earnings.
8th graders prepared for the professional world by learning how to apply for jobs and participating in mock interviews, gaining practical skills for their future.
One of the most popular activities among TeamFAME students was creating a personal tennis budget. Students researched the real-world costs of their favorite racquets, tennis shoes, apparel, and other gear. Many were surprised by how expensive the equipment can be, which led to conversations about prioritizing needs, setting goals, and making informed financial decisions. This hands-on activity not only helped students apply budgeting skills in a meaningful context but also deepened their appreciation for the resources and support provided by TeamFAME.
To wrap up the six-week financial literacy series, TeamFAME students visited a local Citizens branch in Newport, while 8th graders and high school students traveled to the Citizens’ corporate headquarters in Johnston, RI. These field trips provided a behind-the-scenes look at the banking industry and exposed students to a range of career paths—from finance to graphic design and even aviation.!
A full-circle moment occurred when several TeamFAME high school ambassadors—participants in the first-ever Citizens financial literacy program in 2019—opened their own Citizens bank accounts last summer, saving earnings from their first jobs at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
This ongoing partnership continues to plant seeds of financial literacy and empowerment, preparing students for life.
“Visiting Citizens sparked my passion for marketing and design. That experience led to an internship, my first job, and now, I’m proud to mentor younger students. TeamFAME showed me what’s possible.” – Sofia, 10th Grade
SUCCESS STORY: Sofia’s Journey
Sofia, a 10th grader and longtime TeamFAME participant, has grown tremendously over the past seven years. When she joined, Sofia struggled with managing her emotions. With mentorship and consistent support, she developed tools for self-regulation and personal growth.
In 8th grade, Sofia took part in Citizens Financial Literacy lessons and visited both a local branch and the Citizens Corporate campus. Though initially hesitant about Providence, she felt that it was “too far from home,” the experience sparked a new interest in marketing and design.
As a 9th grader at The Met School in Newport, Sofia secured an internship at DownCity Design in Providence, diving deeper into her creative talents. That summer, Sofia landed her first paid job at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, where she was recently invited back for her second year.
Now a mentor in the after-school program and a proud member of the Competitive Pathways program, Sofia’s journey shows how early exposure, consistent guidance, and a strong support system can help young people discover their potential and pursue new opportunities.
