F&M Bank Volunteers Make Real-World Learning Come Alive for Students

Image caption: Ashley Faust brings real-world learning to life as she helps students build confidence through Junior Achievement lessons.

For more than 15 years, F&M Bank has been investing in the future of Eastern Iowa—one classroom at a time. What started in 2010, when President & CEO Nate Dunn was invited to join the local Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) board, has grown into a powerful culture of volunteerism that runs throughout the entire organization.

Today, more than 40 F&M team members have stepped into Junior Achievement (JA) classrooms to teach or co-teach programs focused on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Many also volunteer at community-focused JA events, extending their impact beyond the school day.

Image caption: JA volunteer Jami Schlarmann guides students through hands-on activities that spark curiosity and financial understanding.

A Shared “Why”

Community is at the heart of F&M Bank’s purpose. As Nate Dunn explains, part of the bank’s “Why” is to make a larger impact collectively rather than individually.

“We see Junior Achievement as an investment in our communities’ future,” Nate says. “Putting in the effort to connect with youth now will pay off immeasurably in the future.”

That forward-thinking mindset aligns closely with JA’s mission to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate their financial futures and career pathways. For F&M Bank, supporting JA isn’t just philanthropy—it’s a strategic way to help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs, homeowners, and community leaders.

Image caption: Katie Hubbard empowers students with practical skills and meaningful discussions during her JA classroom visit.

Turning Real-World Experience into Real-World Learning

As a financial institution, F&M Bank understands how critical it is for young people to develop strong money management skills early. Another key part of the bank’s “Why” is helping clients live out their personal and professional dreams—and that starts with a solid foundation in financial literacy.

“We want to help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs by preparing them for the ‘real world,’” Nate says. “By giving them the tools they need to take the next step toward a new idea.”

In JA classrooms, F&M volunteers draw directly from their day-to-day work with clients: budgeting, saving, borrowing, spending wisely, and planning for the future. These concepts become much more relatable when students hear them from professionals who see the results of financial decisions—good and bad—every day.

Image caption: Volunteers Marci Pate and Traci Worcester team up to lead an engaging JA lesson, showing students what’s possible for their futures.

Volunteers Who Show Up—And Stand Out

F&M Bank’s commitment to JA is powered by employees who genuinely enjoy being in the classroom.

“Our team members say that they enjoy teaching the kids and it’s a fun way to connect with our community’s youth,” Nate shares.

Volunteer-teacher Ashley Faust loves helping students connect the dots between what they see at home and what they’re learning in class:

“It’s rewarding to help them understand the ‘why’ behind how their parents manage their finances, or what they would have to consider when deciding to purchase something.”

For fellow volunteer-teacher Trevor Hulett, the excitement comes from sharing the kinds of success stories he sees at the bank every day:

“We get excited to share our real-world knowledge in finance and passing along important life lessons when it comes to money management. We see financial success stories every day with our clients and teaching that to the next generation will only educate them to make smart decisions with their money in the future.”

Volunteer-teacher Traci Worcester sees her role as both educator and encourager:

“Each of these classes, no matter the age, teaches our next generation about life. I hope to make an impact on each of these children by simply showing up.”

JA staff see firsthand the difference volunteers like the F&M team make.

“F&M Bank volunteers bring learning to life,” says Dani Carter, Director of Content and Curriculum for JAEI. “They help students connect big concepts—like budgeting, saving, and entrepreneurship—to real choices and real opportunities. Their enthusiasm, authenticity, and commitment show students that the community truly believes in their future.”

Image caption: Seth Wedewer connects with students through JA’s interactive curriculum, helping them explore choices, careers, and the world of money.

Giving Students the Gift of Time

F&M volunteers know that without JA, many young people wouldn’t learn about budgeting, entrepreneurship, or investing until they’re already facing adult responsibilities.

“With JA, we are giving students the gift of time to be curious, to ask questions, and to have a leg up when they are entering the intimidating world of personal finances and entrepreneurship,” Trevor explains.

The team hopes that students walk away with key financial principles—but also with something deeper: the memory of an adult from their community who took time to show up just for them.

“We hope that they retain some of the principles from JA, but more than that, we hope they remember when an adult – that wasn’t their teacher – took the time to connect with them and answer their questions,” Nate says.

That kind of connection builds confidence, sparks curiosity, and helps students see themselves as future professionals, business owners, and leaders.

Image caption: Trever Hulett brings enthusiasm and real-world insight to the classroom as he leads students through a JA learning experience.

A Message to Other Businesses

For companies considering getting involved with Junior Achievement, F&M Bank has a simple message:

“You won’t ever regret spending quality time with the students. It is 100% worth the commitment!”

From board leadership to classroom volunteers, F&M Bank’s partnership with JA is a powerful example of what happens when a business not only believes in real-world learning—but actively encourages its employees to be part of it.

“We’re so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with JA for the last 15 years,” Nate says. “And we’re looking forward to the future!”

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is proud to recognize F&M Bank as a Business Partner Spotlight for their long-standing commitment to empowering students and encouraging employees to share their time, talents, and expertise in JA classrooms across our region.