Bread Financial® makes contribution to Junior Achievement™ of Central Ohio’s financial literacy mission
$1.5 million donation invests in ongoing and expanded financial education programming for area youth
COLUMBUS, Ohio – December 6, 2022 – Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BFH), a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, flexible payment, lending and saving solutions, today announced a $1.5 million gift to Junior Achievement of Central Ohio (JA). JA inspires and prepares central Ohio K-12 students to achieve more in their lives and careers by delivering proven career-preparation, financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs in and out of the classroom.
The contribution will support JA’s educational experiences for central Ohio students of all ages, including curriculum and simulation-based programs like JA Finance Park® and JA BizTown® that prepare students to be engaged, productive members of the future workforce. In addition to its monetary support, Bread Financial has also pledged a goal of logging more than 1,000 employee volunteer hours with Junior Achievement USA across the U.S in 2023.
“Bread Financial is dedicated to strengthening our communities through investments that foster financial literacy and independence. The students impacted by this gift are future customers or employees, and we are firmly committed to investing in resources that empower them to make sound financial decisions starting at a young age.
Ralph Andretta, President and CEO of Bread Financial
A recent study by the Milikin Institute found that 57% of U.S. adults are financially illiterate¹. JA is working to combat those numbers, and according to third-party research², 82% of JA alumni agree they have a strong financial footing and are also more likely to finish college, find satisfying careers and/or start a business. During the 2021-22 school year, JA served more than 16,000 students throughout central Ohio, and has plans to expand its reach to more than 50,000 students throughout 25 Ohio counties by 2027.
“This is a transformational gift for JA and the Ohio communities we serve,” said Mike Davis, president, Junior Achievement of Central Ohio. “JA takes an engaging, immersive approach to financial education and empowers young people with the mindsets and skillsets to reach their full potential. Together with partners like Bread Financial, we can further expand our reach and provide even more students with the tools for a successful financial future.”
Bread Financial has a long history of supporting Junior Achievement USA and its local affiliates. With this latest investment, financial contributions total more than $2 million to the organization.
¹ “This is Why Americans Can’t Manage Their Money,” CNBC, April 8, 2022
² Ipsos/Junior Achievement Alumni Survey, August 2022
About Junior Achievement of Central Ohio
Junior Achievement of Central Ohio (JA) prepares central Ohio K-12 students for the business of life after graduation by convening and aligning government entities, for-profit partners, and educational systems to integrate and implement JA's proven career-preparation, financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs. In the 2019/2020 school year, JA facilitated 26,093 student interactions.
About Bread Financial®
Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers.
To learn more about Bread Financial, our global associates and our sustainability commitments, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
