Sprowt.ca Financial Literacy presentations taking place across Niagara
NIAGARA - November 7th, 2012- Back in May 2011, when the Provincial government announced that Ontario students, from grades 4 to 12, will be taught the concepts of financial literacy in the classroom, the folks at PenFinancial Credit Union began developing a workshop that makes learning how to budget and manage credit, fun and interactive for students, while giving teachers the opportunity to call in the financial ‘experts’ to deliver the material. The PenFinancial Financial Literacy Team recognizes the importance of sharing this knowledge with local students, especially as Canada celebrates financial literacy month.
The Sprowt.ca Financial Literacy workshop was developed with the assistance of students who work part time at the credit union. Workshop topics range from how to read a pay stub, to why it’s important to protect your credit, to creating a budget to save for college. The key to the success of the presentations is in the delivery – a group of young PenFinancial Credit Union staff members, including part time Brock and Niagara students, who bring energy and their own ‘life stories’ to the presentation, making the information much more credible and relatable.
“The presentation takes a complex topic and breaks it down into a fun, simple and engaging presentation for students”, explains Lisa Alfarano, Financial Services Specialist and Sprowt.ca Financial Literacy workshop presenter. “The information is easy to digest because presenters share their life experiences and realistic advice that students can implement in their lives as soon as they walk out the door.” Lisa added
The Sprowt.ca Financial Literacy presenters also bring along their Sprowt.ca ‘prize wheel’ giving students who ask questions, the opportunity to spin the wheel to win Sprowt.ca prizes like sweatshirts and usb drives.
The Sprowt.ca Financial Literacy workshops are offered by PenFinancial Credit Union. Schools are invited to connect with Josh Juhlke, Financial Literacy Program Coordinator by phone 289-820-9744 ex. 247 or by email at josh.juhlke@penfinancial.com.
Upcoming Sprowt.ca Financial Literacy Presentations:
Thursday, November 8th, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
Community Connections for Newcomers
Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre
85 Church Street St. Catharines, ON
Topic: Newcomers to Canada and career minded youth will learn how to finance their post-secondary education.
Presented by: Lisa Alfarano, Financial Services Specialist and Sprowt Financial Literacy Program presenter, PenFinancial Credit Union
Tuesday, November 13th, 2012, 9:45 a.m.
St. Francis Catholic Secondary School
541 Lake Street, St. Catharines, ON
Topic: Budgeting, Different Savings Vehicles, and saving for the future.
Presented by: Lisa Alfarano, Financial Services Specialist and Sprowt Financial Literacy Program presenter, PenFinancial Credit Union
PenFinancial Credit Union has been nurtured for almost 60 years right here in Niagara. With 6 branches serving over 15,000 members, PenFinancial delivers a full range of financial services and advice tailored to meet every member’s needs. Membership is open to anyone looking for a financial institution that provides superior service and reinvests in local communities to help build a stronger and more vibrant Niagara.
Sprowt.ca No Fee Student Banking was launched in 2010. Sprowt.ca is designed with Niagara students in mind – giving elementary, secondary and post secondary school students access to free banking services along with financial literacy tools wrapped up in a cheeky, online channel format at www.sprowt.ca