The Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission (HRDC) recently provided financial education bags to middle school students in the Allegany County Public Schools.  The bags contained Basic Economic Workbooks (grades 5 – 8), a pocket size calculator, a locking coin bank, a bookmarker, and two pencils with sharpener.

For many years, HRDC, ACPS and PNC Bank have collaborated to provide a middle school financial literacy program for the students through EverFi’s online platform.  EverFi equips students with tools to manage their personal finances in the real world.  Students have access to three courses during Grades 6-8:  Vault, FutureSmart, and Venture. 

Vault is a foundational program that helps young students understand concepts related to money and finances.  FutureSmart focuses on skills that help students to become deliberate about their financial futures, such as daily financial decisions and long-term planning. Venture is a youth entrepreneurship curriculum designed to teach students critical thinking skills that can help in decision-making and problem solving in business and life.  In this program, students can develop a personalized plan for a business, including financing, marketing and team building. 

These financial literacy programs are made possible through the generous support of PNC Bank.

Pictured from left to right: Joseph Brewer, Supervisor of CCTE, Dr. Kendra Kenney, Principal of Washington Middle School, Susan Malone, Director of Housing & Community Resources, Macy Kenney, Washington Middle School Student, Kendall Egros, Washington Middle School Student, Wendolyn Mckenzie, Executive Director of HRDC, Shane Steckman, Career Coach for Washington Middle School