Statewide tour seeks to boost Ga. students’ money skills
ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office announced a statewide tour promoting financial literacy among students. The office partnered with nonprofit Funding for the Future to bring the program to more than 5,000 students across the state.
Funding the Future is a nationwide financial literacy effort hoping to develop the next generation entering the workforce.
“Financial literacy unlocks the door for so many Americans,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “These skills, especially when attained early, create strong investing, and strong entrepreneurship. These skills are key to a prosperous future.”
On Monday, Gabriel Sterling, chief operating officer for the Secretary of State’s Office, visited Fannin County High School, about a hundred miles north of Atlanta. Roughly 800 students attended an assembly geared toward getting students to talk about their financial goals and avoid making money mistakes.
10th and 11th grade American Literature Teacher Colbie Rogers said her students often ask financial questions.
“I have students who don’t just want to go to college, but some who want to go straight into the workforce. They might not come from a background where they have money or they might not know what a credit card is,” she said.
Twelfth-grader Katherine Tamberino was one of the many students who brought home a financial literacy handbook. The handbook includes guidance that can help answer questions about student loans, credit cards and spending habits.
“I signed up for two work-based learning classes. It’s cool getting money doing something through our school. I plan on saving up some of that money for college,” said Tamberino.
Next school year, finance classes will be mandatory for 11th and 12th graders across the state because of a new Georgia law.
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