The founder of the caisses populaires, Alphonse Desjardins, was convinced that saving habits are acquired when we’re young. He wanted young people to start learning how to be autonomous, responsible and savvy consumers the moment they entered school. And so was born the School Caisse project, also known as the penny-saving concept.

Launched in 1907, the School Caisse program, in partnership with parents and schools, has been carrying out its mission for nearly 120 years, teaching students about saving.