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Interactive Literacy

A Financial Literacy Program is launched for DC Students

Students who live in the District and vary from the age 16 to 22 can now participate in a program that allows them to use 3-D interactive learning tools online.

The DC Chamber of Commerce recently announced the launch of the Financial Scholars Program, an initiative aimed at improving financial literacy for youth in the district.

“By providing them with financial literacy education, we can improve their chances for success both professionally and personally,” said Margaret Singleton, executive director of the DC Chamber of Commerce.

“Our goal is to prepare young adults ages 16 to 22 years to achieve financial independence, take control of their money, and secure their financial future,” Singleton said.

The program combines a 3-D interactive learning video with a hands-on reality- based Internet curriculum. It uses the latest media technology and instructional design to teach core concepts of financial literacy and education.

The platform was made possible by a $250,000 grant from Daniel M. Ziff .

President Barack Obama’s education plan will offer many opportunities for low-income youth.

“In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity; it is a prerequisite,” Obama said on his website.

“And yet, we have one of the highest high school dropout rates of any industrialized nation.”

“Half of the students who begin college never finish,” he said.

Obama hopes programs such as the Financial Scholars will increase the number of students who earn college degrees.”I will not settle for an America where some kids don’t have a chance at education,” he said.

Approximately 1,250 students will be able to participate in the Financial Scholars Program and will have licenses to use the platform through remote online access.

To ensure the new curriculum will be extensively available, the DC Chamber Foundation will work with community groups, in school and out-of-school programs across the city.

“These are our future CEO’s, business professionals and entrepreneurs of The district and it is all of our interests to make sure they have a strong grasp on core financial concepts,” said Barbara B. Long, president and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce.

The DC Chamber of Commerce is now redirecting its previous involvement with the District’s summer youth jobs program, to focus on life and skills preparation. The program is part of the Workforce Institute for Strategy and Education, created to examine and promote education and workforce development strategies that produce a qualified workforce in the city.