SJC to Sponsor Youth Financial Literacy Program

February 21, 2012

BROOKLYN, NY February 22, 2012 - St. Josephs College, the Brooklyn (Kings County) Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President are pleased to announce the launching of the first-ever pilot youth financial literacy program in the borough of Brooklyn. The first event in this program will take place on Tuesday, March 6 at 4 p.m. at New Utrecht High School, 1601 80th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214.

"We teach our young people how to read, but we often overlook financial literacybeing fluent in the knowledge of everything from credit scores and maintaining a checking account to securing financial aid and setting up a budget, said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. "If we expect young adults to attend college or hold down a job, they need to be prepared for the financial responsibilities that follow. I am proud to join St. Josephs College, The Brooklyn (Kings County) Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and all of the participating schools and sponsors in helping our youth learn the ABCs of dollars and cents.

This pilot program, launched in conjunction with New Utrecht High School, West Brooklyn Community High School, and South Brooklyn Community High School, will take place from March 6-April 28, with four sessions at various locations across the borough. Open to seniors and juniors at these schools, these sessions will discuss the basics of personal finance, such as credit, personal banking, budgeting, and financial aid for higher education. At the conclusion of these sessions, participating students will possess the requisite knowledge they need to make informed, educated decisions about their finances.

"Were delighted to partner with Borough President Markowitz and the Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to provide this program to these students, said S. Elizabeth Hill, C.S.J., J.D., president, St. Josephs College.  "As weve seen very recently, a lack of sophistication regarding financial products can be highly dangerous, and, through this program, we hope to teach these students the fiscal skills that they will need in adulthood.