Westminster College, Chase Bank & West High School Partner To Promote Financial Literacy To Utah Youth
New program aimed at keeping Utah high schoolers out of financial turmoil
In response to the many young Americans who struggle with financial hardships after graduation, and especially in the current economic environment, Westminster College, Chase Bank and West High School have partnered to develop a special program that helps students become financially literate and avoid financial pitfalls they may face as they enter the "real world."
In December 2008, Westminster's Center for Financial Analysis began the first of 13 Financial Literacy Program classes sponsored by Chase Bank. The program will be held several times a month until April 2009, and provides an opportunity for West High School juniors and seniors to learn about personal finance and basic economics in a college environment.
"When you're young, you often make decisions that affect the rest of your life," said Tammie Howarth, Westminster's Center for Financial Analysis coordinator and class instructor. "In order to make good financial decisions, young people need to be educated so they can take control of their financial future."
All Utah high school students are now required to participate in a year-long financial literacy class in order to graduate. Westminster and West High have partnered to incorporate the Financial Literacy Program into their curriculum. Approximately 30 West High students will participate in each 3-hour class held at Westminster, with topics ranging from understanding the basics of credit scores to financial markets and stock investing. In all, more than 400 students will participate in this program. Classes include group discussions, investment games and financial quizzes.
