Small Town Times February 2020 | Page 5

FBLA Financial Literacy Project Why did FBLA start the Financial Literacy Project? The FBLA chapter decided to start a financial literacy project for student in Litchfield to help them become knowl- edgeable about money and finances. During the summer officer workday meeting the officers discussed topics about money that elementary would understand and be able to relate to. Topics were chosen and a program was written up to determine how the students would teach the topics to the elementary students. Financial Literacy programs were researched and the students were able to find prepared curriculums from the Federal Reserve that were target- ed for elementary age students. Through the benefits of a grant applied for by Lynette Finley, FBLA Sponsor, the chapter was able to purchase much needed supplies such as markers, curriculum books for each student, magnetic white boards, piggy banks for each student and DVD’s about financial literacy. The grant was funded by the Sherman County Foundation. This project serves as a state project for FBLA group called Prepare Nebraska. The project involves writing a report of the benefits of the project and showcasing the results through multiple media sites. The purpose of the project is to get the FBLA chapter involved in a meaningful project within school or community to promote preparation for stu- dents’ future. The project was a great way for FBLA members to not only get involved with the school and work with other students but to promote a very important topic to the entire student body. The project will be presented at the FBLA State Convention in April. What are the Benefits from doing this? The benefits of the financial literacy project can be seen in many ways. This project allowed the FBLA members to get involved with the elementary students to make it an entire school learning project. The benefits of learning financial literacy at a young age is going to help the students understand vital information as they get older and get more inde- pendent with their money and earning capabilities. The National and State FBLA directors encourage local chapters to promote important programs such as financial literacy in their communities and schools. Goals and awards are creat- ed each year as incentives for local chapters to come up with projects that will benefit their communities and or school each year. Theses projects also serve as a great learning and leadership tool for FBLA member. Did you wish you could have been taught Financial Literacy when you were in elementary and do you en- joy teaching Financial Literacy FBLA is doing Financial Literacy with Kindergarten, 1st– 2nd, and 3rd-4th grade. FBLA treasurer Kaylee Rosentreader, said “I feel that if I was taught at a younger age I would have a better foundation.” The students involved in FBLA love going into the classrooms and teaching the elementary how to be responsible with their money. The kids love it too. They are always excited for FBLA to come over to their classroom. Students are always excited to do the activities FBLA has for them like the puzzles, and drawing pictures of the financial story that was read to them. -Kaleb Rosentreader