City National Bank Pledges $1.3 Million to Bolster LAUSD Financial Literacy

The capital infusion scales a partnership with educational technology firm Everfi, which has collaborated with the bank since 2018. The funding supports the integration of digital modules, classroom lesson plans, and educator training sessions tailored to California’s 13 core financial topics, including tax strategy, credit management, and long-term investment planning. These resources are designed to prepare teachers for a pilot phase in the 2026–27 school year ahead of the full curriculum rollout.

Beyond classroom instruction, the initiative provides students with direct exposure to financial services through career panels and mentorship opportunities led by bank employees. The expansion also includes a significant increase in scholarship funds to support students pursuing higher education. During the 2025–26 academic year, the program reached more than 17,000 students across 137 schools, yielding measurable improvements in student confidence regarding budgeting and consumer decision-making. Howard Hammond, CEO of City National Bank, emphasized that the investment aims to equip young people with the practical skills necessary for long-term economic stability.