FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2020

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Lt. Governor: First Financial Empowerment Curriculum Launched 

Pilot Between Henry Ford College and Dearborn Public School Begins Winter Semester

LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II today announced that Henry Ford College and Dearborn Public Schools have launched the state’s first Financial Empowerment Curriculum that teaches our youth the basic principles of managing their money.

The pilot program represents the beginning of anticipated programs and partnerships between Michigan’s school districts and community colleges. Financial empowerment means having the skills and knowledge to make informed and effective decisions with available financial resources, like creating a budget, saving money and paying bills.

“Empowering our youth with an understanding about money will pay dividends for our future,” Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said. “This pilot program provides a roadmap so we can help our youth plan a budget, save money, plan for taxes, and buy insurance. Those students who take this class will have a better understanding to make well-considered financial goals and the knowledge necessary to achieve those goals.”

The financial wellness of families is increasingly being discussed across the nation as many families are experiencing a great imbalance of debt versus assets and savings. The imbalance can be attributed to extenuating circumstances in some cases and lack of financial education for others.

In Michigan, the pilot between Dearborn Public Schools and Henry Ford College represents a first step to better equip Michiganders for life’s financial challenges. During this pilot, Dearborn Public High School students will enroll in a Personal Finance course concurrently with Henry Ford College, gaining valuable financial life skills while earning college credit.

 “The Dearborn Public Schools and Henry Ford College work hard to prepare our students for successful lives,” said Russ Kavalhuna, President of Henry Ford College. “Financial literacy is an important skill set that our students will need throughout their lives. Understanding the basic concepts of how money works can make a huge difference in empowering people and reducing financial concerns. We are proud to partner with the state in this effort.”

At the inaugural MI Financial Literacy Summit at Henry Ford College last year, State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks facilitated a panel discussion with experts from across the state about the role financial literacy has in shaping Michigan’s future through all phases of life.

Much of the conversation focused on the need to educate our state’s youth. For young adults, financial empowerment often comes abruptly in life with limited access to resources and consistent education.

“Our first summit last year was the beginning on an incredible dialog with so many experts who wanted to create a more successful Michigan,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “This curriculum is the beginning of what I desire to be available across our state. We must continue our discussions on how we can best financially empower individuals and families through statewide coordination.”

MI Financial Empowerment is a part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s focus on literacy, which includes the education and understanding of knowing how money is made, spent and saved, as well as the skills and ability to use financial resources to make decisions.

To learn more about the MI Financial Literacy initiative, go to www.michigan.gov/finlit or follow the state Treasury Department at @MITreasury on Twitter.