First Bank employees are headed back to school.

As part of the American Bankers Association's 16th annual Teach Children to Save Day, Tuesday, April 24, bankers will visit local classrooms sharing the importance of developing lifelong savings habits.

From April through August, First Bank volunteers throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia will offer students lessons on the best ways to save.

"Teaching children how to be responsible with their money is a lesson that benefits them their entire lives," said First Bank President and CEO Jerry Ocheltree. "This annual awareness program is also a rewarding experience for our employees, and we are excited to participate."

The First Bank team will join thousands of financial professionals from across the country as part of the national campaign. National Teach Children to Save Day was established in 1997 to spotlight the importance of teaching our nation's youth about saving money.

This event occurs every April, when bankers make presentations to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The goal of the campaign is to educate young people about the importance of developing lifelong savings habits through activities, interactive scenarios and discussing real-life experiences.

First Bank offers the following tips to help parents teach children to save daily:

n Help children open their own bank savings account and make deposits regularly.

n Make going to the bank fun. First Bank offers a "Looney Tunes Savings Club" for children 12 and under with a $10 opening deposit. The program has no monthly fees or balance requirements. Every time they make a deposit, children are rewarded with a special prize from the Looney Tunes treasure chest.

n Since children enjoy receiving their own mail, encourage them to keep an eye out for their monthly statements.

n Talk to your child about the family budget. Include discussions on wants and needs, and reinforce the conversation by budgeting for a family outing or big purchase.

n Give your child positive feedback. As they grow older, give them responsibility for how they spend their money.

Participation in National Teach Children to Save Day is an example of First Bank's ongoing commitment to educating community youth about responsible spending and saving habits, a news release said. Company employees regularly speak with local youth organizations about financial literacy and host tours of local branches.

Students and parents can access additional resources at the Teach Children to Save website: www.teachchildrentosave.com.