Sixteen Partnership with Children 4th- and 5th-grade students who run their school’s bookstores at PS 46 and 67 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, met with the employees of Commerce Bank's New York City flagship store at 42nd and Madison to learn more about the worlds of retail and banking.

Like the many jobs these children perform while managing the student-run bookstores, students learned first-hand how the employees of Commerce Bank enhanced customer relations, handled money and implemented security procedures. They also learned about the importance of saving and investing money and were treated to a meeting in Commerce’s executive board room where they were deputized and received Commerce banker deputy badges.

"Commerce is proud to support Partnership with Children," said Phyllis Marino, senior vice president, Commerce Bank. "As a longtime education proponent, we are thrilled to help teach children about the world of business."

Partnership with Children has created a curriculum for their bookstore group that provides a social-emotional and academic component along with a school-wide benefit.  Students learn to work together from set-up to purchasing to inventory and sales.  Partnership with Children social workers facilitate the student bookstore and help the students learn about money management through hands-on experience helping them improve their math and problem-solving skills.  Managing these bookstores has provided students with the opportunity to increase their love of learning.