ENOLA, Pa. – Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today joined Steelton-Highspire students at a financial literacy workshop aimed at teaching basic money smart skills to help students succeed after graduation. The workshop, a partnership between Members 1st Federal Credit Union and True Colors, led students through two sessions, “Make the Most of your Opportunities” and “The Art of Budgeting & Importance of Credit.”
“Knowing how to Be Money Smart is one of the best lessons a person can learn to set themselves up for future financial success,” Auditor General DeFoor said. “That’s why we’re working with local partners, like Members 1st and True Colors, to give students the opportunity to build their financial literacy skillset. It’s essential that we continue to create a Pennsylvania where kids can learn and grow.”
DeFoor has spent the last two years promoting financial literacy across the state as part of his Be Money Smart initiative. Since the initiative launched in 2021, DeFoor has:
- Completed a statewide financial literacy tour to raise awareness about the need for financial literacy legislation in Pennsylvania;
- Visited all state and state related universities in Pennsylvania to talk about job and internship opportunities within the department and the importance of knowing how your money works;
- Met with students participating in the State YMCA of Pennsylvania Youth and Government program and visited several YMCAs across the state to talk about financial literacy;
- Worked with Junior Achievement to emphasize financial literacy messages to elementary school students;
- Partnered with local financial institutions to provide financial literacy resources to the public; and
- Partnered with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and Members 1st to coordinate a statewide financial literacy competition for high school students in Pennsylvania.
Members 1st Federal Credit Union works to provide youth with the essential information they need to make smart financial decisions and set themselves up for a brighter future. By fostering financial literacy, they strive to equip the next generation with the tools they need for financial success.
“We believe starting financial education at an early age is a key building block for a secure and successful future,” Mark Ely, Members 1st spokesperson, said. “Through partnerships like this with True Colors and the Auditor General’s Office, we are dedicated to helping students make informed decisions, setting the stage for a future of financial independence and resilience.”
The “True Colors” initiative helps public and private academic institutions increase student engagement by fostering inclusivity and a sense of belonging in the school community.
“Today’s youth become tomorrow’s adults,” Doug Lawrence, True Colors Co-Founder said.
The program’s instructional staff aims to boost academic achievement through collaborative planning with instructors and counselors to mentor students in an education program that builds critical life skills and practical knowledge in the fields of art, education, healthcare, IT, engineering, business, athletic coaching, and entrepreneurship.
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