#United States #Los Angeles #LAUSD #financial literacy #City National Bank

City National Bank's Significant Investment in Financial Education

City National Bank recently made headlines by announcing a three-year investment exceeding $1.3 million aimed at enhancing financial education within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). This initiative is crucial as California prepares to introduce a financial literacy graduation requirement for its high school students, set to take effect in the 2027–28 academic year.

For over eight years, the partnership between City National Bank and Everfi has empowered numerous students in LAUSD to gain practical financial knowledge and confidence. With the upcoming mandate for students to complete a semester-long personal finance course by the Class of 2031, this funding will play an integral role in equipping schools with the necessary resources and curriculum.

Howard Hammond, President and CEO of City National Bank emphasized, "Financial education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the communities we serve. For the last eight years, City National's Dollars + Sense program has helped students build the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their futures." This commitment underlines the bank's dedication to preparing the younger generation for success in various life dimensions, including school and career.

Strengthening Financial Education in LAUSD

Through the renewed investment, City National Bank is teaming up with Everfi to enhance financial education resources provided to LAUSD schools. The curriculum aligns with California's educational requirements covering essential topics such as budgeting, credit management, investing, taxes, and long-term planning.

Everfi’s offerings include:

• - Digital courses and offline classroom activities
• - Comprehensive lesson plans and discussion guides
• - Engaging student capstone projects tailored to support diverse teaching and learning styles.

To ensure teachers are well-prepared to deliver this essential knowledge, Everfi will roll out professional development programs that strengthen financial literacy instruction. This initiative will kick off with a pilot phase in the 2026–27 academic year, ultimately leading to full implementation across schools.

Ray Martinez, CEO of Everfi stated, "California's new requirement emphasizes the significance of financial education, and LAUSD has been a leader in this arena. This investment will empower more students to graduate with the knowledge and confidence necessary for navigating important financial decisions throughout their lives."

Proven Results from Dollars + Sense Program

Since the inception of the Dollars + Sense program in 2018, City National Bank has positively impacted financial literacy among LAUSD high school students, with Everfi providing curriculum and implementation support throughout. Some notable achievements from the 2025–26 school year include:

• - 137 schools actively utilizing Everfi's financial education resources
• - 17,212 students participating in various financial literacy activities
• - Over 43,714 total hours spent on financial education
• - More than 800 educators receiving training aligned with district financial literacy goals.

Students reported substantial confidence increases in various areas, including budgeting (up from 77% to 84%), evaluating consumer purchases (79% to 86%), and maintaining a good credit profile (75% to 84%). These results highlight how targeted support for financial education can prepare students for real-world financial responsibilities.

Superintendent Andrés Chait from LAUSD remarked, "Our aim is to ensure every student graduates equipped with the knowledge to make sound financial decisions. Financial literacy is a key life skill, vital for everyone in our community."

Connecting Education to Career Opportunities

Beyond enhancing curriculum access, City National Bank actively engages with students through career-related activities. Throughout the school year, employees provide insights through panels, classroom experiences, and events that connect financial education to various career pathways. This hands-on approach introduces students to opportunities in financial services, illustrating how essential financial skills contribute to their long-term aspirations.

Moreover, City National is significantly increasing scholarship opportunities for LAUSD students over the next three academic years, aiming to alleviate the financial constraints that often hinder educational pursuits. This initiative is part of the bank’s broader commitment to breaking cycles of financial inequality and promoting future access to higher education.

About City National Bank

Founded in 1954, City National Bank stands as the largest bank headquartered in Los Angeles, boasting over $100 billion in assets as of July 31, 2026. A subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada, City National offers personalized service in various financial fields, including wealth management, commercial banking, and private banking. In 2025 alone, the bank demonstrated its community commitment through nearly $11 million in charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations.

As financial literacy becomes an increasingly vital part of educational frameworks, City National Bank continues to pave the way for a more financially informed and responsible future for students in Los Angeles.