PEP is an exciting and informative public education program sponsored by the Young Bankers Division of the South Carolina Bankers Association. This ongoing, volunteer effort is designed to help schools provide students of all ages with practical knowledge and experience in personal economics and banking. The goals of PEP are to better educate and prepare future consumers to manage their finances and to promote understanding of the banking industry.

What are the benefits of PEP?

• PEP informs students and others about banks and the services they provide, thereby educating future consumers.

• PEP promotes economic education, thereby enabling consumers to make more informed decisions about personal financial goals.

• PEP presentations enhance a teacher’s current curriculum, and can be applied to many different courses, from accounting to home economics.

• By explaining how important segments of the economy work, PEP promotes an appreciation of the American economic system.

• Through interaction with bankers in the classroom and on bank tours, students increase their awareness of possible banking careers.

How does the program work?

Through PEP, bankers make themselves available to schools across the state as a resource to give in-class presentations on the many aspects of economics and business in the free enterprise system. Topics include balancing a checkbook, using credit wisely, managing a family budget, the role of banks in the community and career opportunities in banking. In addition to in-school programs, PEP efforts also include bank tours, plays, participation in career days and other special projects. PEP presentations are also made to civic and social groups. PEP bankers utilize a variety of audio/visual materials designed to address various age levels. These materials include instructional films, videotapes, brochures and workbooks which supplement the PEP presenter’s own working knowledge of the industry.

How is PEP organized?

PEP is a national program provided through the American Bankers Association by state bankers associations. During the 2005-2006 PEP school year, the program reached 82,299 South Carolina students and adults, that's more than 12% of South Carolina's student population. Ninety banks and thrifts participated in PEP with 286 active PEP bankers. More than 11,202 presentations were made and 87 presentations were made to adults.

The program is coordinated throughout the state by the Association’s Young Bankers Division. A PEP director is appointed annually for each of the state’s six banking group regions. Within each group, county directors coordinate the activities of a team of PEP volunteer bankers. To become involved, please call Elisa Edwards of the South Carolina Bankers Association at 803/779-0850.