Another local school now has access to one of the top financial literacy programs in the United States.
First National Bank (FNB) in Creston and Afton has agreed to pay for the “Foundations in Personal Finance” curriculum to be taught this year in the 21st Century Skills class at East Union High School – a class that all students must complete before graduating.
Created by financial expert Dave Ramsey, the curriculum teaches students about budgeting, saving, the power of compound interest, importance of college choice and how to avoid college debt.
“We are so excited to now be offering this curriculum to both Creston and East Union high schools,” said Kyle Wilson, marketing specialist at FNB. “We can’t thank the instructors, Jerry Hartman and Gail Thatcher, enough for teaching this program at their respective schools. The reality is that, today, over 70 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Our bank doesn’t want that for anyone, especially our youth. The principles taught in this class are proven and will give them the steps they need to reach financial prosperity.”
“Foundations in Personal Finance” utilizes a blended learning model that meets standards and benchmarks in all 50 states and Jump$tart national standards. The program has been taught in more than 10,000 schools and education institutions. Among other skills, Foundations teaches students to complete a budget each month, build a full emergency savings fund and helps them navigate the best ways to graduate college with as little debt as possible.
Gail Thatcher, instructor for the 21st Century Skills class at East Union High School, plans to begin teaching the Foundations program to her students right after spring break this year. Thatcher has been teaching at East Union for a total of 18 years.
“This curriculum will be a great addition to our course,” said Thatcher. “Our 21st Century course includes employability, health, technology and financial literacy skills. I’m looking forward to this curriculum giving them a deeper understanding of the importance of financial literacy.”
To learn more about Foundations or to become a sponsor of the curriculum at your local high school, visit www.ramseyeducation.com. FNB already sponsors the Foundations curriculum at Creston Community High School. The program is currently taught there by Hartman in his iJAG classroom.
First National Bank is a full service community bank locally owned that specializes in commercial, ag and personal banking. First National Bank has offices in Creston and Afton with assets of $245 million. FNB shares Ramsey Solutions’ commitment to helping people take control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills and enhance their lives through personal development.