ERIE, Pa. – Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today presented McDowell High School with a commendation recognizing the school district for their efforts in promoting financial literacy and preparing students for a brighter and more financially secure future.
“McDowell High School has demonstrated a strong commitment to the future success of its students by offering a dedicated financial literacy course as part of its curriculum,” Auditor General DeFoor said. “Knowing how money works is an essential part of life, and the skills these students are learning will help them on their journey to financial success. I commend each school district for taking steps to ensure their students are prepared for the future, and I’m so proud to present them with this recognition for their great work.”
Auditor General DeFoor is visiting high schools throughout October as part of National Financial Planning Month, which encourages individuals to make smart money choices through budgeting and financial planning. He has spent more than three years promoting financial literacy through his ‘Be Money $mart’ initiative, which raises awareness about the need for financial literacy education in Pennsylvania and highlights free resources that people can use on their journey to financial freedom.
Since ‘Be Money $mart’ launched in 2021, Auditor General DeFoor has:
- Partnered with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and Members 1st Federal Credit Union to coordinate a statewide financial literacy competition for high school students;
- Met with teachers and students in high school classrooms across Pennsylvania in recognition of successful financial literacy learning opportunities;
- Visited all state and state related universities in Pennsylvania, as well as community colleges, to talk about job and internship opportunities within the department and the importance of knowing how your money works;
- Moderated financial literacy panels for community organizations, the agriculture industry and local chambers of commerce;
- Partnered with the Pennsylvania Library Association to highlight free financial literacy resources and the PA Forward program;
- Visited YMCAs across the Commonwealth to talk about financial literacy for all ages;
- Worked with Junior Achievement to emphasize financial literacy messages to elementary school students and participated in multiple BizTown simulations; and
- Partnered with CrossState Credit Union Association and other credit unions and financial institutions across the state to promote free financial literacy resources, including hosting ‘Money $mart Mondays’ with PSECU.
“We want to highlight local efforts to promote financial literacy,” Auditor General DeFoor said. “If you are promoting financial literacy in your community, please reach out to us at news@paauditor.gov so we can highlight your work.”
To learn more about our department, our ‘Be Money $mart’ initiative or locate audits affecting your community visit our website.
# # #
Media contact: April Hutcheson, 717-787-1381 or news@paauditor.gov