Old National Bank Foundation 20 for 20 Grantee Profiles: Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana
Funding Priority: Financial Empowerment
As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, and two decades of helping build stronger, more vibrant and prosperous communities, in 2026 the Old National Bank Foundation is donating a total of $20,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations throughout its nine-state footprint, including Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana.
Bridging the gap between classroom concepts such as savings, credit cards, and the real-world applications of money has never been more critical for children. This is why the Old National Bank Foundation has long valued its partnership with Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana, located in Evansville, Ind., an organization dedicated to helping young people connect financial education to future opportunity.
“At Junior Achievement we inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness skills,” said Melissa Bassemier, Director of Development at Junior Achievement of Southwest Indiana. “(Old National Chief Communications, Culture & Social Responsibility Officer) Kathy Schoettlin, who has been on our board for many years, has been very supportive of our mission. We very much believe that this could not be possible without her support, both personally and professionally.”
Navigating financial literacy and the world of work
Through hands-on experiences in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career exploration, students gain a clearer understanding of how the world of work functions and where they might fit within it.
Old National has also played a part in one of Junior Achievement of Southwest Indiana’s most transformative and impactful projects, the upcoming Discovery Center, a state-of-the-art learning environment designed to accelerate economic opportunity and mobility for youth, simulating real-world scenarios to prepare students for success in life and work.
“Our Discovery Center will open later this fall, and we are actively underway on construction,” Bassemier said. “This will transform our region, where students will see how many career opportunities are available, and experience the skills that are necessary for any adult to have, like how to budget your lifestyle, how to invest in your future, and how to give back to your community. And we are so grateful that Old National Bank has made a significant investment.”
As a guest last year on Old National’s Real-Life Finance® Podcast, former Junior Achievement of Southwest Indiana President and CEO Marcia Forsten elaborated on how creating choice-filled lives for students leads to thriving communities, the importance of financial literacy, new and expanded directions for JA, and how community members can get involved locally in volunteering to prepare future-ready youth in their community. To learn more or listen to the episode, click here.
"Old National Bank has been a transformative partner in our mission,” said current Junior Achievement of Southwest Indiana President Angie Richards Cheek. “Through their support of Junior Achievement programming, thousands of students have gained the tools to dream bigger about their futures. Old National’s tremendous investment is shaping the next generation of leaders while strengthening the future of our region."
Building community partnerships
Together, these partnerships through the Old National Bank Foundation help prepare the next generation with the confidence and skills needed to pursue meaningful careers and build strong, self-sufficient futures.
“Our ‘20 for 20’ campaign recognizes 20 organizations that have helped strengthen communities and expand opportunity through their partnership with the Old National Bank Foundation,” said Old National Bank Foundation President Joe Kiser. “Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to serving others reflect the very best of what can happen when communities come together around a shared purpose. As we celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, these organizations represent the many communities, causes, and partnerships that have shaped the Foundation’s work over the past two decades.”
To learn more about Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana, click here.
Each year, the Old National Bank Foundation endeavors to fund as many initiatives that meet our funding priorities as possible across our footprint. For more information on grants or the Old National Bank Foundation click here.
