FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: School Savings™ | support@schoolsavings.com
Montana School Savings Programs Post Strong Growth — Combined Deposits Up Nearly 20% Year Over Year
First Interstate Bank and Bank of Malta Help [NUMBER] K–8 Students Build Lasting Savings Habits
MONTANA — May 3, 2026 — School Savings™, the nation's only U.S. Department of Education-evaluated and approved in-school banking program, today announced continued growth in student savings across Montana. Two participating financial institutions — First Interstate Bank and Bank of Malta, a division of Bridger Bank — have helped students surpass last year's deposit totals, with the current school year still underway.
Combined deposits across both programs have grown from $155,500 in the 2024–2025 school year to $185,300 so far in 2025–2026 — a 19.2% increase with months remaining in the school year.
| Institution | Headquarters | 2024–25 Deposits | 2025–26 Deposits (to date) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Interstate Bank | Billings, MT | $147,300 | $178,000 | +21% |
| Bank of Malta / Bridger Bank | Bridger, MT | $8,200 | $7,300 | On track ↑ |
| Combined Total | $155,500 | $185,300 | +19.2% |
First Interstate Bank's School Savings™ program spans four states — Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Oregon — making it one of the program's most far-reaching regional partners. Bank of Malta, part of Bridger Bank headquartered in Bridger, Montana, serves students in its local Montana community and is on pace to exceed last year's deposit total before the school year ends.
Banking takes place once a week at school, coordinated by dedicated parent volunteers. Students are rewarded not for the amount they save, but for the number of times they save — instilling consistent saving habits regardless of a family's economic circumstances. All student deposits are FDIC-insured through School Savings™, which has served as a processor for the Federal Reserve Bank since 1996.
"Saving is the first step to financial literacy," said National Distribution Director, School Savings™. "The growth we are seeing in Montana — and across First Interstate Bank's four-state footprint — demonstrates that in-school banking works. When students are given a simple, consistent opportunity to save at school each week, they do. First Interstate Bank and Bank of Malta are investing in the financial futures of their communities, and the results speak for themselves."
"Participating in the School Savings™ program has been one of the most rewarding partnerships our bank has formed," said a representative from the participating banks. "Seeing students take pride in their savings and watch their totals grow week after week is exactly why we do this. We are proud to be part of building a new generation of savers in Montana."
About School Savings™
Founded in 1982, School Savings™ has partnered with 300+ banks and credit unions, reached 7,000+ schools, and helped more than 3,000,000 students learn to save. The program is the only school banking initiative evaluated and approved by the U.S. Department of Education for use in grades K–8 public and private schools across the United States. School Savings™ processes student deposits electronically through the Federal Reserve Bank, ensuring accuracy, security, and FDIC insurance for every student account.
Bring School Savings™ to Your Community
Is your bank or credit union looking for a meaningful way to invest in the next generation of customers and strengthen ties to your local schools? School Savings™ is actively seeking financial institution partners to sponsor school banking programs in communities across the country.