-- First Community Bank Utah has launched its 2026 Back-to-School initiative, an annual community program designed to reward academic achievement while helping Utah students develop stronger financial habits and greater confidence in managing money. Through the initiative’s Good Grades Pay program and free financial education resources, the bank is encouraging families to make financial literacy part of preparing students for the new school year.
As students return to classrooms across Utah, families are preparing for a new academic year and the responsibilities that accompany growing independence. First Community Bank views this period as an opportunity to reinforce lessons that extend beyond academics, particularly the importance of understanding how to earn, save, budget, and make informed financial decisions.
At the center of the initiative is Good Grades Pay, which rewards eligible Utah students ages 12 to 25 for academic achievement. Students can earn $3 for every A or A- on their report cards, up to $20 per term, along with an additional $5 for maintaining a 4.0 term average. Students who complete the program’s free online financial literacy course can also receive a one-time $10 incentive when program requirements are met.
Additionally, the bank offers a scholarship drawing which is open to all students regardless of participation in Good Grades Pay. At the end of the academic year, each First Community Bank branch awards 10 scholarships to students in their community, with the Bank awarding a grand prize scholarship of $2,500 to one lucky winner.
For Bryan Jack, Chief Financial Officer of First Community Bank, the initiative reflects the broader responsibility a community bank can take in supporting families and preparing young people for the future.
“Being a community bank means showing up for the community in ways that have a lasting impact,” Jack says. “We believe in walking the walk, not simply talking about the importance of financial confidence. When we invest in students, we are investing in the future of the families and communities we serve.”
The 2026 program builds on the financial literacy efforts that First Community Bank has developed over several years. The bank’s community impact reporting has highlighted financial education as a continuing area of focus, including student education and Good Grades Pay.
First Community Bank Utah is a Division of Glacier Bank. Member FDIC. The bank has also expanded access to financial education through its Financial Foundations program, which provides free online learning for customers and community members. The self-paced resources address subjects including checking and savings accounts, budgeting, credit, loans, credit cards, taxes, insurance, and retirement planning.
Jack sees that accessibility as an important part of the bank’s approach to financial education. Free resources allow families to begin conversations about money in a setting that accommodates different levels of financial knowledge and experience.
“Financial conversations can feel uncomfortable, particularly when parents are unsure where to begin or what their children need to know,” says Brady Stratton, SVP Marketing Director. “The important thing is to start. It is never too early or too late to help a child understand what money is, how to save it, how to make thoughtful decisions, and how those decisions can shape their future.”
The bank’s approach centers on practical experience. By connecting academic performance with a real financial reward and providing educational resources alongside the program, First Community Bank enables students to see how financial decisions can become part of everyday life.
“Academic success deserves to be celebrated, and financial capability deserves the same attention,” Jack says. “Our goal is to help students connect the two and understand that the habits they develop today can influence the choices and opportunities available to them tomorrow.”
The Good Grades Pay program is open to Utah students ages 12 through 25 who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Students must have an active Checking account with First Community Bank. Students under 18 must have a parent or guardian as a joint account holder. Report cards must be submitted according to the program's requirements for eligible rewards to be deposited.
The initiative forms part of First Community Bank’s broader commitment to community investment. The bank's financial education resources are available online, giving students, parents, and other community members access to tools that can help strengthen financial knowledge at any stage.
For Jack, the long-term objective extends beyond the current school year.
“We want families to see financial literacy as something they can build together, one conversation and one decision at a time,” he says. “If we can help a young person feel more confident about money today, we can help them carry that confidence into the decisions that matter throughout their lives.”
Contact Info:
Name: Brady Stratton
Email: Send Email
Organization: First Community Bank Utah
Website: https://www.fcbutah.com/
Release ID: 89201056
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