RIFI Overview
Our next generation of adults will soon step into the most challenging and dynamic personal financial marketplace that our country has ever known ...
Need!
No hyperbole is required to describe the compromised state of our consumer economy. Most educators, economists, policy-makers and parents agree that financial literacy is critical to helping change the current course.
And yet, research suggests that high school students are poised to repeat the mistakes that challenge many of their parents (in Rhode Island, high school seniors answered just 48% of personal finance questions correctly in a 2008 national survey). It may come as no surprise that a very small portion (roughly 5%) of Rhode Island high school students take a course dedicated to personal finance in a school year.
Response!
This program has been designed to increase the quality and quantity of personal financial education being offered in Rhode Island public high schools.
School-Based Solutions!
Respecting local curricular traditions, this program will rely on strategies that will be determined as best by each of (10) participating school systems.
Team Approach!
At 10 Rhode Island high schools, financial literacy teams have been established comprised of educators, volunteer financial service professionals, administrators, and students, who are working together to enhance and expand youth personal financial education efforts.
Curricular Quality!
Teams will align curricula with the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, National Standards in K-12 Personal Finance Education to ensure that students receive education in the following core areas:
- Financial Responsibility & Decision Making
- Income & Careers
- Planning & Money Management
- Credit & Debt
- Risk Management
- & Insurance
- Saving & Investing
Educator Training!
Seasoned personal financial educators as well as those new to the subject matter will receive 10 hours of traditional (classroom style) training. Educators will also work in and outside of classrooms in partnership with trusted and qualified financial services industry professionals throughout the duration of the program.
Community Involvement!
Many trusted and qualified financial services industry professionals have already come forward, volunteering to make a meaningful difference in the financial futures of our young people. The incorporation of these volunteers will not only benefit program participants, but will also strengthen the fabric of local communities.
Assessment!
Personal financial knowledge of students and educators alike will be pre and post-tested as a means of establishing a baseline and measuring programmatic impact.
Recognition!
Participating schools, as well as all program team members will receive much deserved recognition in many forms throughout the program.