The third Tuesday in March was declared Bank Day by the Virginia General Assembly in 1991.

On this day, high school seniors spend a day in banks across the Commonwealth shadowing a banker in their daily duties. The purpose of this experience is for the students to learn about banking, financial services, and the vital role banks play in their communities.

From their experience, the students are required to write an essay on their Day. Seven scholarships (six regional scholarships of $2,500 and one statewide scholarship of $5,000) will be awarded on the basis of the essays. There will also be six honorable mention scholarships of $1,000 this year (one in each of the six regions for the program). $26,000 total in scholarships will be distributed by the VBA Education Foundation through Bank Day.

The students will participate in various activities throughout their day. Activities might include visiting various bank departments and learning about the loan process, the importance of good credit, the profile of a qualified borrower, appropriate etiquette during a job interview, how banks are involved in the community, the Federal Reserve System, payments and more.

More than 300 students are expected to participate this year at 36 different banks. If you would like to attend a Bank Day in your area, please email Chandler Owdom atcowdom@vabankers.org.

-Submitted by Chandler Owdom