SmartBank is pleased to continue its commitment to the Sevier County Board of Education through its partnership with JA Biztown, which began in 2008.
During the month of May, Sevier County fifth grade students spent a day on the Junior Achievement Biztown campus. As one of SmartBank’s philanthropic endeavors, the Bank underwrites the cost of the tuition for each of these students to attend. In addition, SmartBank also coordinates a volunteer base among its associates and provides t-shirts for students and volunteers.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Sevier County Board of Education to provide this opportunity to so many deserving students. I believe this program instills an entrepreneurial spirit in our young people that will benefit them years down the road,” said Billy Carroll, SmartBank President and CEO. “Our Board of Directors and associates stand behind this commitment, and are excited about the partnership and relationships that we continue to build with these students.”
JA Biztown is a program designed for fifth graders that encompasses important elements of community and economy, work readiness, financial literacy, and business management. This on-site visit provides students with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in a realistic setting. Each student assumes a job, produces and/or sells products, receives a paycheck, works on a business team, repays business loans, shops and manages a personal bank account. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to use critical thinking skills to learn about key economic concepts as they explore and enhance their understanding of free enterprise. The goal of experiential education programs such as JA Biztown is to help students see how classroom learning connects to real-world actions and events. With fun as the focus at Biztown, every student will enjoy applying what they’ve learned in the classroom!
“Through the generosity and community spirit of SmartBank’s Board of Directors, each participating student will engage in the development and application of skills that can positively impact them throughout life,” said Dr. Jack A. Parton, Superintendent of Sevier County School System. “This partnership between the Sevier County School System and SmartBank is an example of how the school system and community businesses can work together to make sure that our youngsters have the type of education that prepares them to be good citizens of our county, state, nation, and world.”
SmartBank is a full service bank offering a unique balance of exceptional products and a service-focused environment. SmartBank, with assets over $525 million as of March 31st, 2015, opened its first office in January 2007 in Pigeon Forge, TN and now serves clients in 7 branches across East Tennessee and Northwest Florida.