That’s the idea behind a program that grade-school math students in Temple University’s four Partnership Schools will soon start, thanks to a grant from Citibank.

Citibank recently provided $35,000 and committed volunteer efforts to the Partnership Schools to support financial education for North Philadelphia students. The schools — Dr. Tanner G. Duckrey, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Joseph C. Ferguson, and Gen. George G. Meade — accepted the grant this fall, and parents joined school officials in creating the curriculum in mid-December.

Through the program, Citibank and the Partnership Schools help students understand how math is part of everyday transactions, such as balancing checkbooks, paying loans and budgeting.

Additionally, because many of these students are growing up in households where everyday needs, such as rent and food, take precedence over long-term investing, credit management and saving for retirement, the Partnership Schools plans to expand the program to include parents, said Jayminn Sanford-DeShields, the Partnership Schools’ faculty liaison within the College of Education.

“We’re excited to have this opportunity to give students this hands-on experience with math,” Sanford-DeShields said. “This represents another opportunity to work with our families, and the community as well.”

Citibank volunteers also will take part in the program through after-school projects, said Donald L. Haskin, state director of community relations for Citi, Citibank’s parent company.

"We are happy to join with Temple University in the hard work being done to create opportunity and hope for the young students at these four schools in North Philadelphia,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to help them become more knowledgeable and more self-reliant."  

About Temple’s Partnership Schools program

Established in 2002, Temple University’s Partnership Schools program is a collaboration between the university and the School District of Philadelphia. Under the leadership of the College of Education, the program connects with parents, civic leaders, other Temple University schools and the school district to attempt the comprehensive reforms needed to prepare students for the 21st century.

About Citibank

Citibank opened its first financial center in the Philadelphia area last year. Its new financial centers in Philadelphia include the wealth management services of Smith Barney’s financial advisors, offering clients two of the strongest names in financial services in one location.

Supporting the Partnership Schools is just one way that Citi, Citibank’s parent company, is giving back to the Philadelphia community. Citi has provided grants and volunteer efforts to a variety of causes and organizations in the area, including Habitat for Humanity, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the American Cancer Society’s Philadelphia Hope Lodge. Citi is also a major sponsor of the Kimmel Center.