(MARCH 5, 2020) BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Wednesday, February 26, students at Garriga and Derry Elementary Schools celebrated the grand opening of their joint Minitropolis® program. Tarponville at Garriga and Derry elementary schools is a mini city that provide students an opportunity to see how a community operates by employing them in a variety of real-world positions. Students earn "salaries" by working in their respective roles throughout the "bank". Fifth grade students voted for their IBC Bank presidents, vice presidents and serve as bank executives, tellers and security guards. 

 

 "Financial literacy and real-world job experience are essential to the growth of school-aged children seeking lessons in professional and personal responsibility," explains IBC Bank-Brownsville CEO and Chairman of the Board Al Villarreal. "We're proud to extend Minitropolis® into new elementary schools this year. Our goal is to continue to build up our Minitropolis® programs to ensure future generations are financially literate."

 

The Garriga and Derry Minitropolis® program will continue through the rest of the school year. Minitropolis® was created by IBC Bank in 1996 and currently operates in almost 30 elementary schools across Texas.

 

Throughout the school year, students learn the significance of financial literacy, understand the importance of savings and learn leadership skills in real-life simulated scenarios. In return for good grades, attendance and behavior, students earn "salaries" and learn financial skills like writing checks, making deposits, and withdrawing money.

 

The hands-on experience the students receive is made possible with the support of the school's administration and teachers. IBC Bank works closely with the school staff to continuously improve the opportunities offered through the Minitropolis® program.

 

About IBC Bank-Brownsville

IBC Bank-Brownsville is a member of International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), a $12.1 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with 188 facilities and 284 ATMs serving 88 communities in Texas and Oklahoma. IBC Bank's slogan "We Do More" reflects the bank's dedication to the growth and success of the customers and the communities it has been serving since 1966. IBC Bank-Brownsville was recognized as The Brownsville Herald "Reader's Choice" for favorite bank in 2020. IBC Bank-Brownsville has been serving the area since 1984 and has a retail branch network of 12 locations.  MEMBER FDIC / INTERNATIONAL BANCSHARES CORPORATION. Follow our Facebook and Instagram page, @IBCBankWeDoMore. More information is available at ibc.com.