Financial Literacy

Lights, Camera, Save! Video Contest

Grundy Bank is excited to announce the ABA Foundation Lights, Camera, Save! Video Contest. This contest is a call for teens to use their imagination to educate themselves and their peers about the value of building sound financial habits before adulthood. Videos can talk about any money management topics from paying for college, to saving through auto deposits, protecting your identity and knowing your credit score.

If you’re between 13 and 18 and ready to put your creativity to the test, then the Lights, Camera, Save! video contest is for you. Create a 30-second video about financial responsibility that will appeal to other teens. Topic ideas include: budgeting, automatic savings, credit scores, retirement – the sky is the limit!

Grundy Bank will host the first round of judging and select a winner to compete on the national level for one of three cash prizes, including $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place and $2,500 for the third place.

Videos will be judged on their quality, message, content and the criteria set forth by the contestant’s official rules.

OPEN NOW!

November 30, 2025: Contest closes for students

How to Submit Your Entry:
All entries must be submitted to Marketing Director, Ava Terry at aterry@grundy.bank.

Be sure to include:

  • A link to your video (YouTube or another video-sharing platform). ⚠️ Please note: Video files (e.g., .mp4 attachments) will not be accepted.

  • Your completed submission packet

Use the following email subject line:
Lights, Camera, Save! Submission – Your Name – Your School

Good luck! We can’t wait to see your creativity shine!

CBAI Foundation For Community Banking: Annual Essay Scholarship Program 2026

$21,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS IS BEING AWARDED!

Here’s how the prizes work:

  • There are 12 CBAI groups, but only 11 of them are offering awards this year.

  • In each of those 11 groups, one student will win $1,000.

  • Another student from each of those same 11 groups will win $500 as the second-place prize.

  • One student will win $1,000 a year for up to four years of higher education

How to Enter:

  • Write a one page essay on the following theme: How has your local community bank impacted you or someone you know?
    • (Length of the essay is not to exceed one page; double spaced, using Times New Roman font, and 10-12-point size.)
  • Submit the essay and Contest Packet to Marketing Director, Ava Terry at aterry@grundy.bank
    • All essays and packets must be submitted no later than Monday, February 2, 2026.

Contest Packet:

Youth & Money

How soon is too soon to talk to your kids or grandkids about money?

The best financial lessons are part of everyday experience.

To instill lifelong financial skills, it’s crucial to start teaching about money when they’re young enough to ask for toys or bikes. The most effective way to do this is by incorporating financial lessons into everyday activities. Engage them in discussions about money and encourage them to read books and play games that emphasize the importance of spending money wisely.

 

Empowering Local High Schoolers with Financial Literacy

Grundy Bank has had the distinct opportunity to engage with local high schools on the importance of financial literacy. Grundy Bank has successfully reached over 400 students, imparting essential financial knowledge. Bank employees have facilitated sessions covering fundamental topics such as budgeting, spending, deposit accounts, and check writing. This initiative underscores the critical role of financial education in aiding students as they navigate significant life transitions. Grundy Bank is committed to empowering the next generation with the tools needed for financial success.

Tami Coss, Assistant Vice President l Commercial Lending

Randy Matravers, Assistant Vice President | Consumer Lending

Kristen Garmon, Commercial Loan Specialist

Jen Yurkovich, CSS

Grundy Bank takes pride in providing financial literacy to local high schools including: Morris Community High School, Minooka Central Community High School, Seneca High School, Reed-Custer High School and Wilmington High School.

If you are interested in having Grundy Bank visit your high school and present on current financial literacy topics, please contact Marketing Director, Ava Terry at aterry@grundy.bank.

The Bank Tour: Learning About Finance Through Play

We cordially invite children of all ages to experience our bank tours. Our aim is to inspire and educate young minds about our diverse financial services and how they can benefit their financial journeys. We strongly encourage students to visit our bank and explore the endless possibilities of financial education. Our knowledgeable staff is always available to provide valuable insights and guidance, ensuring a fulfilling and informative experience for all visitors.

Ashley Speed, Vice President along with kids from Step by Step Child Care Center

Ashley Speed, Vice President speaking with kids on different types of coins used for currency

Pictured left to right: Ashley Speed, Vice President, students from REACH High School and Transition Programs, and Kevin Olson, President & CEO