#Canada #Toronto #EVERFI #RBC #Dollars + Sense

Empowering the Next Generation: RBC and Seaspan's Financial Literacy Initiative

In a groundbreaking collaboration, RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) and Seaspan have partnered with Everfi to introduce the Dollars + Sense digital financial education program to Canadian students in grades 4 to 8. This initiative aims to equip young learners with essential financial skills and confidence, enabling them to navigate the increasingly complicated financial landscape they will face in the future.

A Foundation for Financial Literacy

The Dollars + Sense program is designed specifically for students from grades 4 to 8, providing them with the foundational knowledge necessary to make responsible financial choices, establish savings habits, and develop a prudent approach toward budgeting and credit management.

Initially launched as a pilot program in British Columbia in mid-2025, Dollars + Sense successfully reached over 130 schools and impacted more than 3,700 students. Since the introduction of this partnership with RBC, the program is set for expansion, targeting at least 750 schools across Canada annually over the next three years.

Program Highlights

Dollars + Sense is composed of three interactive courses that specifically cater to different grade levels:
1. Vault Understanding Money (Grades 4-6) – This course introduces essential financial concepts like responsible spending, saving, budgeting, and future planning.
2. SaveUp Saving Money for the Future (Grades 6-8) – Students learn how to save effectively, set financial goals, comprehend how savings accounts function, and accumulate emergency funds.
3. FutureSmart™ Financial Literacy (Grades 6-8) – This course provides practical money-management skills through engaging lessons that involve budgeting, saving, spending, and career exploration.

Alongside these educational resources, RBC volunteers will assist teachers in fostering classroom learning, offering virtual and in-person support to answer questions and illuminate real-world financial concepts.

A Commitment to Financial Education

Kyle Washington, Chairman of Seaspan, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We are extremely excited to work with RBC and Everfi to roll out the Dollars + Sense financial literacy curriculum across Canada. This initiative opens the door for us to educate young individuals about personal finance in an interactive and practical manner."

Echoing this sentiment, Erica Nielsen, Group Head of RBC Personal Banking, emphasized the importance of instilling financial confidence early in life. She remarked, "Financial confidence doesn’t develop overnight; it begins with the lessons our youth learn before the stakes become high. This partnership reflects RBC's commitment to empowering our communities."

Ray Martinez, CEO of Everfi, added, "The strongest financial education connects classroom learning to real-world decisions students will face. Together with RBC and Seaspan, we are providing engaging resources that equip students with practical skills they can carry into their futures."

The Importance of Financial Literacy

As financial literacy becomes increasingly crucial across Canada, with new curriculum requirements appearing in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, the Dollars + Sense program offers schools easy-to-implement resources that enhance educational efforts. With the recent rollout since the school year's beginning, the program has already reached over 400 schools and 4,400 students nationwide.

To celebrate the launch of this significant educational program, RBC and Seaspan plan to engage students at Allan A. Martin Senior Public School in Mississauga and École Cedardale in West Vancouver on November 9, using interactive games to boost their financial knowledge in topics like credit scores, savings mechanisms, and various payment methods.

For educators interested in incorporating Dollars + Sense into their curriculum at no cost, they can visit Everfi’s website to access these vital resources.

About the Partners

The Royal Bank of Canada is renowned for its purpose-driven approach and diverse offerings, helping over 19 million clients thrive in Canada, the U.S., and 27 other countries. Seaspan plays a pivotal role in Canada’s marine sector, focusing on ship design, construction, and repair. On the other hand, Everfi has been a leader in providing digital educational experiences for over a decade, promoting financial literacy, career success, and overall well-being.

These partnerships highlight the collective commitment to fostering a financially savvy generation, paving the way for more responsible and informed financial decisions in the years to come.