(Chelsea Update would like to thank Chelsea State Bank for the information in this story.)
Chelsea High School started offering Chelsea State Bank’s innovative financial literacy education curriculum, the EverFi™ Program, two years ago.
Provided through Chelsea State Bank, EverFi™ gives students at the high school access to an online platform that uses gaming and simulations to teach high school students the core concepts of financial responsibility.
With the different financial modules in the EverFi Program, Mark Scheese, business teacher at the high school, incorporates the program into his personal finance class whenever it applies to the curriculum.
“It’s a nice simulation for the students,” says Scheese. “It’s always interesting to have more than one way to present material to my students.”
Scheese calls the program a great supplement.
“What I like is students can see their core scores right away and redo their tests for each module if needed. It offers great supplements for courses such as credit scores and renting,” Scheese says, adding, “I want them to be aware of the terminology of the financial world. I tell all of my students that they are going to rent apartments, use credit cards, work with interest rates, and have to buy insurance for the rest of their lives. They need to understand the full implications of their financial transactions. It’s important information and it’s important to be aware.”
Chelsea State Bank’s Financial Literacy Program is part of a statewide financial literacy initiative powered by local educators and businesses to equip students with the knowledge they need to become financially capable.
Scheese, who has been a teacher at the high school for 22 years, has certainly seen many changes in the classroom structure as well as the styles of learning.
He teaches personal finance and civics classes and uses the EverFi™ Program to reinforce the concepts he teaches in the classroom.
Chelsea State Bank Assistant Vice President Chad Hyllested was a student of Scheese’s. He remembers his great passion for teaching and connecting with his students.
“Mark’s involvement with the program right from the start makes it a great partnership. We see how his students benefit when they come into our branches,” Hyllested says, adding, “They have financial skills and literacy right out of high school. It’s an important life skill that will help them in everything they do going forward.”
Chelsea State Bank President and CEO John Mann says, “It’s fundamental for us to support our communities and this is a perfect way to help our students. Because we are the local community bank, we are honored to give back to the communities that so generously support us.”
Chelsea State Bank has aligned with EverFi™ to bring the interactive financial management program to the school at no cost.
“Financial literacy is a skill that all young people need to succeed,” Mann says. “When these students enter college or the work force, responsibly managing their finances is a key to their ultimate success in all stages of life.”
Hyllested leads CSB Investment Services as an Infinex Financial Consultant and adds it is great to come back to his alma mater to participate and support financial education efforts.
“I am pleased to see the high school continuing to place emphasis on financial literacy,” says Hyllested. “This is an important life lesson that will reap rewards throughout a lifetime.”
Hyllested holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Michigan and Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, from Eastern Michigan University.
He is a lifelong resident of Chelsea.
