Investing in the Future

Supporting first-generation college students through financial skills building

Financial confidence starts with access and a little encouragement. That’s what we’re aiming to do through our partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis’s Money Masters program. Since the collaboration began in 2021, Mercantile and FHLBI together have been able to contribute $137,500 to over 300 GVSU TRIO Upward Bound students. And recently, our team was recognized at TRIO’s Summer Celebration for their partnership and contributions to the program.

Marianne Essing, Community Development Specialist, and Cathy Calveneau, Community Development Officer, facilitate classes for high school students in the program. See them in action as they share their experiences teaching students, and the power of taking charge of their finances while pursuing a degree. 

“I'm talking in class about compounding interest. I asked if anybody knew what it was. One student raised her hand and described it perfectly. I had a $2.00 bill that I gave out to anybody who could answer it. She came up to me in a class later in the year and shared that she still had her $2.00 bill. She was really proud of that. Every once in a while, you get something that just sparks for somebody. She was totally engaged. That’s why this work is so important to us at Merc.”

“We're investing in the future of these kids,” said Cathy Calveneau, Community Development Officer, “we are giving them a little boost and support along the way, and helping them to know that bankers are friendly people and here to help them be successful.”