We are continuing to improve Education Cents and have received great feedback from high schools, colleges and pre-collegiate programs as well as other partners around the state. We are so pleased that the program is helping students and families become more financially savvy and reach their higher education goals.

Thank you for your partnership and assistance in making the Education Cents program a success!

Celebrating Financial Literacy Month
How are you celebrating Financial Literacy Month? Ok, so maybe not everyone is quite as excited about it as we are… but we’ve got some great suggestions for promoting personal finance in April! Check out our recent blog post – we’re even offering a couple of special scholarship opportunities.

Train-the-Trainer Events
We held several train-the-trainer events around the state over the past couple of months and the feedback has been great! These day-long events provide information on using the Education Cents program and teaching personal finance. If you are interested in attending a train-the-trainer event or hosting an event in a computer lab, please let us know. We publish a list of upcoming train-the-trainer events as they are scheduled, on our For Partners page.

$2,500 College Access Scholarship
These $2,500 scholarships are offered to help students access and complete higher education and will be awarded to 250 eligible students to use toward their 2011-2012 higher education expenses. Qualifications include attending college at least part-time for the 2011-12 school year and qualifying for the Federal Pell Grant.

We need more applicants! This is a fantastic opportunity for the students you work with. Please use this flyer to help us spread the word!
 
Coming Soon: College Access Summer Scholarship
Do you know a student planning on attending college for the 2011 summer semester? Up to 50, $1,500 College Access Scholarships are offered to help students access and complete higher education for use toward their summer 2011 higher education expenses. Look for the application for this scholarship at www.educationcents.org in the coming days.
 
Counselor Corps Loan Forgiveness
This loan forgiveness program is intended for full-time, licensed, professional counselors in Counselor Corps grantee schools. Participants may be eligible for up to $2,000 in loan forgiveness benefits. Get more information and apply by June 1. 

Financial Literacy News and Opportunities

You’re Invited! Money Smart Colorado Luncheon
As an educator or partner invested in personal financial education, we would like to invite you to join us at the Money Smart Colorado Luncheon at the Federal Reserve Bank branch in downtown Denver. Tom Hoenig, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, will address the importance of a financially literate public and provide an economic outlook for the future. It should be a fantastic event! RSVP by April 20!

Money Smart Colorado Great-West, Great-Teachers Educator Workshop
Get ready for the new Colorado Academic Personal Financial Literacy (PFL) Standards and discover techniques for incorporating financial education in your classroom. This free workshop on Saturday, April 30th, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, is hosted by Great-West Life and the Colorado Jump$tart Coalition. Registration is now open. Get more information and reserve your spot.

National Financial Capability Challenge
The National Financial Capability Challenge is a free program from the Treasury Department, designed to increase the financial knowledge and capability of high school aged youth across the United States so they can take control over their financial futures. It challenges high school teachers and other educators to teach the basics of personal finance to their students, and rewards students, educators, schools, and states for their participation and success. Educators and top-scoring students will receive award certificates, and schools and states with the highest participation rates will earn special distinction. Learn more and take the challenge!