East Cambridge Savings Bank is teaming up with the American Banker’s Association as part of its Teach Children to Save Program, which included a national day of awareness on April 23.

 Financial literacy is an area of focus all year for East Cambridge Savings Bank. Employees from the bank partner with schools in the communities they serve to help educate students from kindergarten through twelfth grade on topics like saving, budgeting, and prioritizing needs over wants.

 "Young students are especially full of questions about money and eager to learn about finances," said Lisa Pacheco, an East Cambridge Savings Bank training specialist, said in a statement. "It is fun to see their amazement when we present a $100 bill, one hundred $1 dollar bills, and one hundred pennies. They like to sort and count the money."

 Their efforts in their local communities have earned East Cambridge Savings Bank Honor Roll status in the Teach Children to Save Program. "Having a way to save is very important, whether it’s a savings account or a piggy bank. These educational programs encourage students and their parents to take action," said Gilda M. Nogueira, East Cambridge Savings Bank president and chief executive officer, in a statement.