Give a group of students $1,000 and ask what they would do with it, and the answers can reveal quite a bit about how young people are thinking about their futures.
For nearly 30 students participating in M&T Bank’s 2026 Future Bankers & Financial Professionals Camp in Cherry Hill, the hypothetical money wasn’t simply viewed as an opportunity to spend.
Students talked about saving toward a home for their families, starting their first business, investing for the future and building long-term savings.
The responses impressed M&T Bank employees who spent time with the students during the camp, which offered participants a hands-on look at careers in banking and finance while also teaching lessons they can put to use in their everyday lives.
“One of the most encouraging observations was how thoughtfully students approached the exercise,” said Gino Mevoli, Retail Strategy and Activation Specialist at M&T Bank. “Many focused on practical goals such as saving for college, investing for the future, helping family members, starting a small business, or creating an emergency fund.”
Mevoli said the students’ responses showed a level of financial awareness and responsibility that was impressive for their age.
“It also reinforced the importance of financial education,” he said, “as students are already thinking about major life expenses and future opportunities but are eager to learn how to make informed financial decisions.”
The Future Bankers & Financial Professionals Camp was held at M&T Bank’s Cherry Hill branch with the goal of introducing students to both financial literacy and potential career paths within the financial industry.
“At M&T Bank, we believe financial education and career exploration should begin long before students enter the workforce,” Mevoli said.
That early introduction can help students connect lessons they learn in the classroom with opportunities they may encounter after graduation.
“When students can see professionals who work in these fields, ask questions, and learn about potential career paths, they begin to imagine futures they may not have previously considered,” Mevoli said.
During the camp, students explored the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, responsible credit use and setting financial goals. Discussions also focused on how the financial choices they make now and in the coming years can affect their opportunities later in life.
But the experience went beyond dollars and cents.
Students participated in professional-development activities centered on communication, teamwork, problem solving, leadership and career readiness. They also interacted with M&T employees working in a variety of positions.
Those conversations were designed in part to show students that working in the financial industry doesn’t necessarily mean following one particular career path.
Banking and finance encompass jobs in technology, operations, marketing, risk management, community development and other areas in addition to more traditional financial roles.
“Hands-on exposure helps students see the financial industry as a dynamic field with many different career opportunities,” Mevoli said. “When students meet professionals, hear personal career journeys, and participate in interactive activities, they begin to understand that there is no single path to success.”
The interaction made an impression on the students, too.
“I really enjoyed my time there and felt really welcome and comfortable sharing my thoughts about the things I plan to do now and in the future,” said camp participant Lewis Santiago. “It really was an overall really good experience. Even though you guys weren’t the first bank we visited, you guys are on top of the most enjoyable.”
M&T employees were equally impressed by the students’ enthusiasm.
Mevoli said participants asked thoughtful questions about careers, financial planning, leadership and personal growth. Some expressed an interest in entrepreneurship, while others were considering careers in finance and business.
“It was clear that many participants were eager not only to learn how money works but also to understand how they can make a positive impact in their communities through their future careers,” he said.
That curiosity is one of the reasons M&T hopes the lessons from the camp remain with students well after the program ends.
The goal is for participants to leave with greater confidence in their ability to make informed decisions about money while understanding that financial wellness can ultimately provide them with more choices.
“Skills such as budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and setting financial goals are foundational tools that can benefit them throughout their lives,” Mevoli said. “The earlier they develop strong financial habits, the better prepared they will be to achieve their personal and professional goals.”
M&T Bank also views programs such as the Future Bankers camp as part of a broader effort to improve financial readiness among young people throughout Cherry Hill and South Jersey.
That responsibility, Mevoli said, extends beyond banks.
Schools, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses all have a role in preparing young people to make sound financial decisions and pursue meaningful careers. Financial institutions can contribute by providing practical education as well as access to professionals who can become mentors and role models.
“When young people understand how money works and can see a path to meaningful careers, they are better equipped to build successful futures,” Mevoli said. “That’s why M&T is proud to invest in programs like this, and why we’re committed to continuing this work across South Jersey.”
