The
National
Coalition
of
100
Black
Women/Prince
William
County
Chapter
(NCBW/PWCC)
has
partnered
with
John
D.
Jenkins
Elementary
School,
and
Prince
William
County
Public
Schools
(PWCS)
to
launch
an
initiative
designed
to
help
teach
students
financial
literacy."We have implemented this Leader-In-Me and Financial Mentoring Program for third-fourth-fifth graders each month, commencing September 2019. We are truly blessed because we have also partnered with Apple Federal Credit Union (AFCU) and National CARES Mentoring Organization," said Dr. Alice H. Howard, organizer and past president of the coalition.
NCBW/PWCC
has
opened
savings
accounts
for
40
students
participating
in
the
Leader-In-Me
Financial
Mentoring
Program.
As
part
of
the
program,
coalition
members
have
reinforced
math
skills
taught
by
classroom
teachers
each
month,
with
a
goal
of
helping
students
master
concepts
needed
to
be
successful
in
passing
math
Standards
of
Learning
(SOL)."The Leader-In-Me Program is an excellent way for students to focus on leadership skills, financial literacy, and their math SOL objectives. PWCS is very appreciative of the collaborative efforts and wonderful partnership with AFCU and the National Coalition of Black Women, PWCC," said Carolyn M. Custard, PWCS liaison.
Speaking at an event launching the initiative, the Reverend Gordon Jenkins, son of Earnestine Jenkins, recalled how his father, John Jenkins, encouraged him to open a savings account when he was in third grade. It was just that important to his dad. Lillie Jessie, PWCS School Board member, Occoquan District, recognized the many supporters of the initiative and stressed how essential it is for young students to learn about money early in life.
Nataliya
Stolmeier,
manager
of
the
Woodbridge
Apple
Federal
Credit
Union,
talked
about
the
importance
of
saving
and
how
starting
early
can
be
a
key
factor
for
the
future.
Responding
to
Stolmeier's
question,
"What
is
money
and
where
does
yours
come
from?,"
revealed
a
broad
range
of
experiences
these
children
have
had
handling
money.Coalition president, Shelia D. Coleman, presented a $400 check to Apple Credit Union representatives, so that they may open each student's account with a $10 deposit. Dr. Howard then presented a plaque from NCBW/PWCC to Jenkins Principal Marlene Coleman, honoring the John D. Jenkins Leader-In-Me and Financial Literacy Mentoring Program and recognizing the many groups and individuals who have supported and donated to the effort. During this presentation, Coleman also announced the coalition is in the process of securing funds to be donated to the school each month for the purchase of school supplies.
PWCS Superintendent Dr. Steven Walts closed by addressing the students directly. He emphasized not only how important financial literacy is, but also urged them to stop and look around the room to see how fortunate they are to have so many people supporting the effort to give them this great head start. "It truly is a gift," he said.