Members of the Risers Academy The Risers Academy at Hubert Middle School and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Savannah Alumnae Chapter are partners in the “Pay Yourself First Savings Program,” an outgrowth of the Sorority’s national Financial Fortitude community programmatic thrust.

The purpose of the program with the Risers is for the ladies of the Sorority to assist the young men in identifying ways to save and understanding savings options.

The latest activity included a visit to Carver State Bank. The young men were given a tour of the bank and briefed about the many saving options available to them.

The “Pay Yourself First Savings Program” is designed to involve the young men until they graduate from Hubert.

So far, they have been given the opportunity to participate in practical simulations, where each student identified a financial goal and the best way to meet that goal.

The ladies assisted the young men while encouraging them to apply knowledge learned about needs versus wants and the differences between long- and short-term goals.

The action plans will be used in further activities that teach ways to support a savings account. The program teaches the importance of saving, goal setting for savings, choosing appropriate savings options, and identifying which options can assist in goal achievement.

The Risers Academy for Young Men is a pilot program in the Savannah Chatham-County Public School System that opened at Hubert Middle School in the fall of 2008.The program gives the surrounding community an opportunity to participate in the learning process and allows students the chance to engage outside the classroom.

The program emphasizes core principles of academic excellence, leadership, and service. It works to develop character and mental strength so the young men can maximize on their potential.