Chelsea High School is now offering an innovative financial literacy education program offered through Chelsea State Bank.
The EverFi™ Program, which has been in operation at Dexter High School since last year, gives students at Chelsea High School access to an innovative online platform that uses gaming and simulations to teach high school students the core concepts of financial responsibility.
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.
Annette Houle, branch manager at the bank is working with Mark Scheese, business teacher at the high school.
“Mark teaches personal finance and civics classes,” Houle said in a press release, adding, “He uses the EverFi™ Program to supplement his coursework and reinforce the concepts in those classes.”
Houle characterized the new program as “a great partnership especially when we see how students benefit when they come into our branches with 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,” she said.
The program teaches students the terminology of the financial world and will help them is they plan to rent an apartment, use credit cards, work with interest rates, or buy insurance.
“They need to understand the full implications of their financial transactions. It’s important information and it’s important to be aware,” she said.
Chelsea State Bank President and CEO John Mann said the EverFi™ platform speaks to the spirit of community banking to serve local families and businesses.
“It’s fundamental for us to support our communities and this is a perfect way to help our students,” Mann said.
“Because we are the local community bank,” he said. “We are honored to give back to the communities that so generously support us.”
And, the program is free for students.
“Financial literacy is a skill that all young people need to succeed,” Mann said, adding, “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.”
