California Bank & Trust Unveils the 2026 Financial Futures Awards Celebrating Educators Advancing Financial Literacy

California Bank & Trust, one of California’s premier financial institutions, announced its inaugural 2026 Financial Futures Award Program, offering educators in grades K-8 the chance to win an exclusive prize package for their classroom by registering to teach a lesson on a financial literacy course. The sweepstakes begins on March 23, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PT. One winning entry will be randomly selected from all eligible entries by 11:59 p.m. PT on May 4, 2026. 

For students in grades K-2, lessons focus on foundational financial concepts, including the value of money, coin recognition and the basics of saving. Resources for grades 3-5 introduce spending and budgeting strategies, making sound financial decisions and developing good money habits. For grades 6-8, the curriculum explores more advanced topics such as types of interest, the true cost of everyday purchases and planning ahead by saving for goals and unexpected expenses.  

There will be two prizes drawn, one in Coachella Valley and another in San Diego. In the Coachella Valley, the winning teacher will receive a prize package that includes a $500 deposit into a California Bank & Trust account, plus a special ice-skating and pizza party for up to 40 students. In San Diego, the prize package includes a $500 deposit into a California Bank & Trust account, along with a pizza party for the winner’s classroom. Both prize packages are designed to celebrate teachers’ dedication to financial education and create memorable experiences for their students. To be eligible for the sweepstakes, participants must be legal residents of California, at least 18 years old, and currently teach grades K-8 in either San Diego County or the Coachella Valley. No purchase is required to enter the sweepstakes. All federal, state and local taxes, if any, associated with the acceptance and use of any prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. 

“This program aligns with our commitment to both youth financial education and our communities at large,” said Executive Vice President, Regional President Steve Stuckey. “Teachers and young people are the foundation of the next generation, and we want to help people become well-informed, financially healthy and successful. It all starts at a young age, and it starts in the classroom. By empowering educators with the tools and resources they need to teach financial literacy, we’re investing in brighter futures for students across San Diego and the Coachella Valley. Our goal is to foster lifelong skills that will serve them well beyond their school years, strengthening not only individual students but also our entire community” 

Teachers in San Diego and the Coachella Valley can register here. After registering, educators will be sent the resources to use as financial education tools for their students. 

To learn more about CB&T’s commitment to empowering California’s communities, visit calbanktrust.com. In addition, connect with CB&T on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About California Bank & Trust (CB&T): Headquartered in San Diego, California Bank & Trust has been helping California families and businesses thrive for over 70 years. With local decision-making backed by regional strength, CB&T’s knowledgeable bankers provide personalized solutions that go beyond what traditional banks offer.

CB&T has earned consistent recognition, including being voted:
• “Best Bank” by San Diego Union-Tribune readers for 15 consecutive years
• “Best Commercial Bank” for 12 years running
• “Best Bank” in The Orange County Register and Sacramento Bee readership polls

CB&T is a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Member FDIC (NASDAQ: ZION) and has been recognized for its excellence in Middle-Market and Small Business banking by Coalition Greenwich Best Bank Awards.

Media Contact:
Sarah Bilyeu
California Bank & Trust
sarah.bilyeu@calbt.com 
(619) 252-9111