Regions Bank Champions Education, Literacy, and Financial Wellness Initiatives
The school year has come to a close, final exams are over, and both students and educators are looking forward to a well-earned summer break. While celebrations are in full swing across Regions Bank’s service areas, the bank’s dedication to education and workforce development continues year-round.
Supporting learning and career readiness is a strategic priority for both Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation®, a nonprofit primarily supported by the bank. The foundation invests in initiatives that promote education, community and economic development, and financial literacy across the regions the bank serves.
Regions and its foundation actively back educational initiatives through grants, funding, and employee volunteerism—especially in classrooms where associates are eager to get involved.
Inspiring a Love for Reading
To mark the end of the school year, Regions Bank’s Finance team participated in a major event hosted by Better Basics, a nonprofit in Birmingham focused on eliminating childhood illiteracy in central Alabama.
The event—Better Basics Reads 2025—is the group’s largest annual volunteer initiative. Hundreds of community members read to more than 14,000 students in pre-K through 5th grade across Birmingham. Students were also given a book to take home.
Amanda Saint, Business Unit Controller at Regions and an active Better Basics board member, helped coordinate a team of volunteers who read to students in 18 classrooms at i3 Academy. She described the day as deeply rewarding for the students, teachers, and Regions team alike.
“The kids were really into the stories—asking and answering questions,” said Saint. “They were thrilled to get their own book. The teachers were incredibly supportive and appreciative.”
Beyond the fun, Saint emphasized the broader impact of the event.
“Giving children access to books and encouraging a passion for reading is essential. Reading proficiency by third grade is a key predictor of future academic success. Unfortunately, 60% of low-income families don’t have even one children’s book at home. Being able to connect with students and share my own love of reading meant a lot.”
Grants Driving Educational Impact
Better Basics also received a boost from the Regions Foundation through a new grant supporting its Reading Intervention Program for underserved K-4 students. This initiative offers tutoring, teacher training, and enrichment opportunities focused on early reading skills.
Additionally, the Foundation awarded $250,000 in grants to three affiliates of the Council for Economic Education (CEE), which aims to equip K–12 students with strong foundations in personal finance and economics. The funds will support:
Supporting learning and career readiness is a strategic priority for both Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation®, a nonprofit primarily supported by the bank. The foundation invests in initiatives that promote education, community and economic development, and financial literacy across the regions the bank serves.
Regions and its foundation actively back educational initiatives through grants, funding, and employee volunteerism—especially in classrooms where associates are eager to get involved.
Inspiring a Love for Reading
To mark the end of the school year, Regions Bank’s Finance team participated in a major event hosted by Better Basics, a nonprofit in Birmingham focused on eliminating childhood illiteracy in central Alabama.
The event—Better Basics Reads 2025—is the group’s largest annual volunteer initiative. Hundreds of community members read to more than 14,000 students in pre-K through 5th grade across Birmingham. Students were also given a book to take home.
Amanda Saint, Business Unit Controller at Regions and an active Better Basics board member, helped coordinate a team of volunteers who read to students in 18 classrooms at i3 Academy. She described the day as deeply rewarding for the students, teachers, and Regions team alike.
“The kids were really into the stories—asking and answering questions,” said Saint. “They were thrilled to get their own book. The teachers were incredibly supportive and appreciative.”
Beyond the fun, Saint emphasized the broader impact of the event.
“Giving children access to books and encouraging a passion for reading is essential. Reading proficiency by third grade is a key predictor of future academic success. Unfortunately, 60% of low-income families don’t have even one children’s book at home. Being able to connect with students and share my own love of reading meant a lot.”
Grants Driving Educational Impact
Better Basics also received a boost from the Regions Foundation through a new grant supporting its Reading Intervention Program for underserved K-4 students. This initiative offers tutoring, teacher training, and enrichment opportunities focused on early reading skills.
Additionally, the Foundation awarded $250,000 in grants to three affiliates of the Council for Economic Education (CEE), which aims to equip K–12 students with strong foundations in personal finance and economics. The funds will support:
- Mississippi Council on Economic Education – Get2College Teacher Training and Certification
- Georgia Council – Advancing Financial Literacy Project
- Alabama Council – Never Too Early Project
“These programs empower educators and families to take charge of their financial futures,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “By building financial literacy in classrooms, we’re helping the next generation build a solid financial foundation.”
Long-Term Partnerships in Education
The Regions Foundation continues to invest in education through long-standing partnerships, such as with Alabama’s A+ Education Partnership. Over the past six years, the Foundation has supported A+ initiatives like the Powerful Learning Networks and Instructional Partners Network, both part of the A+ Best Practices Center. Regions Bank CEO John Turner also serves on the organization’s board.
Stirling Hutchins, senior director of development at A+, acknowledged the bank and foundation’s consistent support:
“We’re extremely thankful for Regions’ ongoing commitment to helping us improve student outcomes across Alabama.”
A+ recently played a significant role in passing Alabama’s RAISE Act—a new law signed in May that creates a funding structure for public schools based on student needs. Launching in the 2025–2026 school year, the RAISE Fund will provide extra financial resources to schools serving students in categories such as poverty, special education, gifted programs, English learners, and charter schools.
Appreciating Educators and Families
While students enjoy a break, Regions is also recognizing the educators behind their success. In Knoxville, Regions employees hosted a year-end celebration for over 100 teachers at Hardin Valley Middle School.
In Baton Rouge, the Regions team partnered with the Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope to throw a Summer FUN BASH, featuring games, crafts, live entertainment, and snacks for local families with children 12 and under.
As summer kicks off with fun and festivities, Regions teams are already planning for the next big moment—welcoming students and teachers back in the fall with exciting Back to School events.
Long-Term Partnerships in Education
The Regions Foundation continues to invest in education through long-standing partnerships, such as with Alabama’s A+ Education Partnership. Over the past six years, the Foundation has supported A+ initiatives like the Powerful Learning Networks and Instructional Partners Network, both part of the A+ Best Practices Center. Regions Bank CEO John Turner also serves on the organization’s board.
Stirling Hutchins, senior director of development at A+, acknowledged the bank and foundation’s consistent support:
“We’re extremely thankful for Regions’ ongoing commitment to helping us improve student outcomes across Alabama.”
A+ recently played a significant role in passing Alabama’s RAISE Act—a new law signed in May that creates a funding structure for public schools based on student needs. Launching in the 2025–2026 school year, the RAISE Fund will provide extra financial resources to schools serving students in categories such as poverty, special education, gifted programs, English learners, and charter schools.
Appreciating Educators and Families
While students enjoy a break, Regions is also recognizing the educators behind their success. In Knoxville, Regions employees hosted a year-end celebration for over 100 teachers at Hardin Valley Middle School.
In Baton Rouge, the Regions team partnered with the Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope to throw a Summer FUN BASH, featuring games, crafts, live entertainment, and snacks for local families with children 12 and under.
As summer kicks off with fun and festivities, Regions teams are already planning for the next big moment—welcoming students and teachers back in the fall with exciting Back to School events.
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