Community News

Credit Union Sponsors Business School’s Money And Me Program For Local Third and Fourth Graders

Seeking to help put more young Long Islanders on a path toward financial security and success by teaching them money management skills at an early age, Jovia Financial Credit Union announced today that it is partnering with Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business and School of Education to expand their Money and Me financial literacy program to reach hundreds of additional Long Island grade-school students.

In supporting the community outreach program that began in 2012, Jovia’s investment will dramatically increase the number of schools in which the Money and Me program can be offered. The sponsorship also allows Jovia to present financial literacy sessions to parents, and conduct teacher workshops to reinforce the program’s key messages.

The Money and Me program targets third- and fourth-graders to receive financial literacy instruction from specially trained students at Hofstra’s business and education schools. Approximately 11,000 students have received financial literacy training since the program was founded eight years ago.

“Reaching these children with financial basics at such a young age certainly benefits the future of Long Island. The skills they’re learning will help them make smarter decisions as they get older, which may help them advance in college and in their careers,” said Renu Dalessandro, chief marketing officer of Jovia Financial Credit Union. “Our commitment will enable Hofstra to bring this program into more schools across the Island. The more children we can reach, the greater the impact we can achieve.”

With Jovia’s financial support, the program expects to be in approximately 14 schools this calendar year, teaching more than 1,300 students. Over the years, Money and Me has been taught in 370 classrooms in the Uniondale, Central Islip, Brentwood, Elmont, Westbury, Hempstead, Wyandanch, Freeport, Levittown and Roosevelt school districts. Now with Jovia’s support, these districts will be joined by others in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The Money and Me curriculum was created by Hofstra students in coordination with faculty directors. It is interactive and encompasses the Common Core State Standards. The turnkey program covers lessons on budgeting, savings and checking accounts, differentiating wants vs.
needs, inflation, credit and debit cards, and sources of income and expenses.

“Our partnership with Jovia will allow for more elementary students on Long Island to learn about money management and financial literacy, helping to establish healthy habits early on,” says Hofstra University Frank G. Zarb School of Business Dean Janet A. Lenaghan. “Not only will more third- and fourth-graders gain practical skills, but the program will engage more Hofstra University undergraduate and graduate students, providing teaching opportunities.”

For more information on the Zarb School of Business’ Money and Me program, visit https://www.hofstra.edu/academics/colleges/zarb/corp/corp_moneyme.html.

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