We've all been warned to protect our personal information from identity theft, but we don't always apply the same standards to our kids. Find out how you can protect your child's identity in addition to your own. Listen now to this Practical Money Matters Podcast.
On Wednesday, February 9, 2012 an elementary library was presented to Memorial Elementary School in Riverview, MI. The MoneySmart library was given by First Community Federal Credit Union which was represented by MaryAnn Hammons. Lynn Ryan was there on behalf of the Michigan Jumpstart Coalition. The principal, Mrs. Nancy Holloway, was very excited and grateful for the wonderful gift. She spent time with the children that run the in-school banking program to discuss the need for and value of personal finance education. This is one of five libraries that First Community Federal Credit Union has given in the Downriver area.
Detroit Lions’ Suh, State Treasurer Dillon, Michigan Jump$tart Coalition, and Visa Inc. Collaborate to Launch Statewide Rollout of Financial Football
Money Management Video Game to Improve the Financial Literacy of Michigan Teenagers
National Financial Capability Challenge Runs from March 12 to April 13, 2012
On March 12, 2012 the Financial Capability Challenge kicks off, and will run until April 13, 2012. The Challenge, which is conducted by the Department of the Treasury in partnership with the Department of Education, offers high school students all over the country the opportunity to test their financial smarts. Last spring, over 84,000 high school students from over 1,600 schools participated in the Challenge. Let’s work together to increase the number of teachers and students participating in the Challenge and to improve the number of perfect scores! The 2011 Challenge saw 563 students receive perfect scores, with a national average score of 69%. Learn More.
Michigan Jumpstart Names Administrative Coordinator
Jennifer Warner, a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Davidson High School, has been hired as the Administrative Coordinator for Michigan Jump$tart. This scope of work for this part time postion includes organizational support, administrative/clerical support, and project coordination. Welcome aboard Jen!
Attention Middle School and High School Teachers
Exciting new offerings are now available from the non-profit Life Foundation and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. NextGen3, a DVD and web-based program covers five critical areas teens need to address when planning for the future, including financial planning basics. The FED's lesson kit covers the role of our nation's central bank and it introduces the concept of inflation. Click here for more info.
Money Smart Longitudinal Study Research Project [Announced Sept. 2, 2011]
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) will be conducting a study to evaluate how the Money Smart for Young Adults curriculum impacts how participants handle money. We are currently recruiting sites that plan to use this curriculum over the next several months with students ages 14 to 18. Selected sites will be asked to provide information about their use of the curriculum, and to have their students take pre- and post-training surveys through which we will measure their financial knowledge and behavior.
All selected sites will receive a stipend in appreciation for their willingness to help with this important research effort. The results of the study will inform any future changes to the curriculum, and will also be disseminated to the financial education community nationwide. Click here for details.
Congratulations to Jennifer Olson, winner of the 2011 Michigan Jump$tart Educator of the Year Award!
Lois Gibbons, Chairperson of Michigan Jump$tart, announced in April an “Educator of the Year” scholarship contest open to all Michigan-based educators. The application form was posted on the Michigan Jump$tart website, was advertised in the Michigan Department of Education’s June Newsletter and the Michigan Education Association’s May online newsletter. Per Lois, “Financial education must be a vital part of every child’s core curriculum and yet it is a subject seldom taught in Michigan schools. To heighten the awareness of financial education, the Michigan Jump$tart Coalition would like to recognize those who are doing a great job.”
The winning applicant, chosen by a 3-member team of the Michigan Jump$tart Education and Legislative Committee, is Jennifer Olson of the Kent City School District. Congratulations to Jenn! She will receive a scholarship to attend the National Educator Conference conducted by the National Jump$tart organization on November 4-6 in Washington, DC. The scholarship includes airfare, conference fees, 2 nights lodging, and a per diem. Further information about the conference is at the following website: http://www.nhjumpstart.org/NationalEducatorConference.htm. All other applicants were sent a personal letter from Chair Lois, offering free admittance to one of our future teachers’ conferences (a $40 savings), and encouraging each to visit our website http://mijumpstartcoalition.org.
Sign up for our email list by going to the “Contact Us” link on the left side of our website. Everyone is encouraged to have their students participate in the 2012 National Financial Capability Study that is administered by the US Department of Treasury. The survey is conducted in the early spring.
Lois Gibbons, Chairperson of Michigan Jump$tart, announced in April an “Educator of the Year” scholarship contest open to all Michigan-based educators. The application form was posted on the Michigan Jump$tart website, was advertised in the Michigan Department of Education’s June Newsletter and the Michigan Education Association’s May online newsletter. Per Lois, “Financial education must be a vital part of every child’s core curriculum and yet it is a subject seldom taught in Michigan schools. To heighten the awareness of financial education, the Michigan Jump$tart Coalition would like to recognize those who are doing a great job.”
True to the summer 2011 conference theme, "Moving Forward Together to Strengthen Families", many organizations gathered together to inspire each other to promote their FCS programs. Attendees from FCSEM, MAFCS, MEAFCS, FCCLA and Michigan Jump$tart joined together to exchange ideas and support one another in the quest to prepare Family and Consumer Science professionals to educate students and their families, as well as community, district, and state leaders, regarding the value of Family and Consumer Science programs...

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The Changing Behavior of First Year College Students: Three Years and One Financial Crisis LaterThis webinar recording discusses the latest findings on the changing financial attitudes and behaviors of 2000 members of University of Arizona Freshman Class of 2007-2008. Amy Broekhuizen, Family and Consumer Science teacher in the Kentwood School District and Michigan Jump$tart member, has this to say about the presentation.
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Handled right, allowances provide a great opportunity for kids to learn about money management and personal responsibility. Find out how an allowance can teach kids important lessons about money before the stakes get too high. Listen now
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NEFE High School Financial Planning Program - Free Training
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President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy Issues Annual Report – Includes 15 Recommendations for Improving Financial Literacy for All Americans



