Northern Bank is proud to announce a three-year, $150,000 partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell to support the organization's Club Bucks program and comprehensive financial literacy education initiatives. The commitment of $50,000 annually over three years reinforces Northern Bank's dedication to youth development and financial empowerment in the communities it has served for 65 years.

As the exclusive Club Bucks Program Partner, Northern Bank will support an innovative initiative that teaches young people essential financial skills through hands-on experience. The Club Bucks program allows members ages 8-18 to earn "Club Bucks" by helping in program spaces, demonstrating kindness, and taking on new responsibilities. Members can then use their earnings at the Club Store, learning critical lessons about saving, spending, budgeting, and goal-setting in the process.

"Northern Bank has been part of the Middlesex County community for 65 years, and we believe in investing in the next generation," said Teresa Evangelista, Head of Retail Services, VP at Northern Bank. "Financial literacy is a cornerstone of economic stability and success. We're honored to partner with Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell to ensure young people have the tools and knowledge they need to build a strong financial future."

The partnership extends beyond the Club Bucks program to include comprehensive financial literacy education for Club members and their families. Northern Bank team members will volunteer in the store, guiding youth through real-world financial scenarios, and will lead educational sessions on topics including budgeting, saving and investing, credit scores, managing bank accounts, and avoiding predatory financial services. These workshops will be offered to both youth members and their parents through the Club's Parents' Council, creating meaningful financial conversations that strengthen entire households.

"We are thrilled to welcome Northern Bank as our Club Bucks Program Partner," said Marci DeCarli, Director of Philanthropy at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell. "Their commitment directly supports our vision to end generational poverty in Lowell. When young people learn financial literacy early and their families learn alongside them, we create lasting change that ripples through entire communities."

Since its pilot in 2020, the Club Bucks program has grown significantly in scope and impact. Teen members manage the program's "bank," help younger members track savings, run the Club Store, and develop valuable entrepreneurial and customer service skills. The program has also introduced a philanthropy component, allowing members to donate a portion of their Club Bucks to local nonprofits, teaching the importance of giving back to the community.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell is celebrating 125 years of serving local youth in 2025. The organization provides Lowell's most extensive out-of-school programming, enrolling members ages 8-18 for just $40 per school year, with no child turned away regardless of ability to pay. The Club focuses on four measurable outcomes: Health & Well-being, Good Character & Leadership, Academic Success & the Arts, and Life & Work Readiness.

Northern Bank's investment will support the Club's Academic Success Manager, staff and youth leaders, program supplies, and store inventory on an annual basis. The partnership represents Northern Bank's ongoing commitment to supporting youth development and community organizations that create meaningful change in Middlesex County and beyond.

Learn more at https://www.nbtc.com/learn