Submitted to OnFocus – Monday, April 5, 2021 – Every April, public libraries across the country offer a wide-range of financial literacy programs and this year, the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library will be doing the same thanks to a Leadership Marshfield team project and local business donors.
Using the well-respected PBS BizKids show as their inspiration, the Leadership Marshfield team have created LIFE (Literacy in Financial Education) kits offering a free copy of the book, “How to turn $100 into $1,000,000,” outlines of key financial topics for teens, and gifts from local businesses.
The kits also include registration instructions for the library’s Beanstack app which will allow participants to earn badges and qualify for gift card prizes.
According to team member Adam Nooker, “It’s important for students to understand that financial decisions they make now can have long-term impacts on the opportunities open to them, whether they want to buy a car or save money for college or just start saving.”
Jill Porter, Director of the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library and also a member of the Leadership Marshfield team behind the program, considers this the first step creating an annual financial literacy program for all ages at the library. “Because of COVID-19, we weren’t going to be able to offer in-person programs this year, but when the team suggested we offer something through the library, I saw it as a great opportunity to kick things off.”
Team members Kayla Marx and Stephanie Reis have been pleasantly surprised by the local business support for the project. “They recognize that students are their future customers and want them to be informed consumers” the pair mentioned, a sentiment echoed by Renee Barlow, the team member who first suggested the project.
The LIFE kits will be available for pickup April 8th – April 30th with online registration starting April 10th.
For additional information please reach out to the LIFE team at [email protected].
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