In partnership with Banc of California, the Los Angeles Rams hosted four financial literacy workshops for students at 'A Place Called Home,' the team's official "Courage House." The series of 50-minute workshops were part of BOC's 'Money Smart Program.' Each session covered an important topic such as: financial planning, spending & budgeting, managing a paycheck and choosing a banking partner.

On April 9, Banc of California representatives led a group presentation about financial planning and the efforts one must take to achieve personal-economic satisfaction. During the session, students determined their personal values and financial goals and created a financial plan they can use and reference in the future.

"It was great to meet and offer Banc of California's financial literacy program to a number of the young adults at A Place Called Home," said Carlos Huiza, VP & Branch Manager for BOC. "They're our future and I believe our world is a better place when everyone is out helping others. I'm proud to be a part of an organization that gives solely for the pure joy of giving back to our communities."

Joining some students at A Place Called Home on April 16 to learn about spending and budgeting was Rams Tight End GERALD EVERETT. Together they worked to formulate a plan for spending and saving, created a system for keeping financial records and learned about cash flow management.

"I wish I had a seminar growing up that would teach me about expenses and credit cards," said Everett. "These kids are definitely blessed to be able to have this with the Banc of California and it's great for them to be able to come together and do something for these kids."

On April 27, APCH students participated in a course about the importance of managing a paycheck and what it means to be financially responsible. With the guidance of BOC representatives, students identified elements of a paycheck, learned how taxes, exemptions and deductions impact net pay, and calculated gross and net income.

Rams Tight End TYLER HIGBEE and Director of Player Engagement JACQUES McCLENDON also paid a visit to Banc of California's downtown branch with APCH students on April 30 to learn more about choosing a banking partner. During the course, Higbee, McClendon and the students worked together to identify financial institutions, key differences between checking and savings accounts, as well as the benefits of banking.

"These kids are way ahead of the curve," said McClendon. "I think what they're doing is awesome in terms of getting a head start and learning about what financial literacy really means. These are some of the things that they don't always teach in school and they should, like how to handle your bank accounts, checking accounts, saving accounts etc. It's really awesome that they're here and that're they're getting ahead of the curve."

In February, the Rams joined the Ed Block Courage Foundation to name A Place Called Home the team's official "Courage House." The Rams and the foundation have been working together to create a support network for APCH Youth to help promote the facilities fundraising and create awareness.

For more information about the Rams' community outreach initiatives, please visit therams.com/community.