He mentors United Community Bank executives, teaching 12th grade banking, careers and personal finance

When it comes to Teaching fundingAnd the United Community Bank He thinks it’s better to teach early.

To this end, the bank established its Junior Board of Directors in 2005 to teach financial literacy and leadership to 12th graders. The program began in Georgia, but when the bank moved its headquarters to Greenville, the company wanted to continue the program. This year, the bank entered into a partnership with Legacy Early College, a charter school in Greenville.

The program works with students each month who have been paired with the Bank’s Operating Board in an advisory role. Students learn about banking, jobs, and personal finance. This year, the company’s organizers hope to offer a tour of the bank’s main branch and a trip to the Federal Reserve in Atlanta.

“We have invested a huge amount of money in this,” said Moryah Jackson, director of community development and engagement at the 70-year-old bank. Students get an in-depth look at how banks and the economy work. While the Bank has considered offering internships, the program is now focusing on job shadowing and mentorship.

Mentors make a difference

Melinda Davis LuxExecutive Vice President and General Counsel of United Community Bank, is one of those mentors.

“We want the executive team to lead by example,” she said. “We wanted to know how our team could contribute in a way that is beneficial to us.”

“I’m sure we benefited from that as much as the scientists did,” Lux said.

Outstanding students meet exceptional mentors

There are no degrees. This is an opportunity to develop leadership. Few of the current students in the program are interested in marketing and running their own business. Drummond said the program greatly increased the scholars’ interests in business and finance; What they learn also influences how students choose colleges — and prepare with a financial literacy mindset.

“Scientists have been very excited to meet and learn from experts in the field who are positively represented from their communities,” Drummond said.

Jonathan Lowes, a senior student at Legacy, said the program increased his understanding of banking and financial literacy which in turn furthered his goal of staying debt-free while pursuing college.

“I’m sure we benefited from that as much as the scientists.” Melinda Davis Lukes, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, United Community Bank

“I just opened my eyes,” Lowes said. When he graduates this year, he will receive an associate’s degree and a full trip to Furman University.

His mentor was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Society Bank and the CEO H. Lynn Harton, who taught him the importance of always doing a little more than is asked.

“Ninety-five percent of people just do what they’re assigned to do,” Lowes said.

How are students selected?

Jackson said the scholars selected for the program come from “professional groups” in business, management, finance, information technology and marketing.

The program has certainly inspired students in the past – no fewer than 1,000 students have undergone the program over the past 16 years.

“We encourage them to see the role of business in their community,” Jackson said.