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Last updated on Monday, October 30, 2017
(STATEHOUSE) - Online financial literacy courses are now being offered to high school students at no cost through the Indiana Moneywise initiative, according to State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford).
After starting as a pilot program in six Indiana counties during the 2016-2017 school year, Secretary of State Connie Lawson is expanding the Indiana Moneywise Financial Education Program statewide to all Indiana high school students. These web-based courses focus on banking, credit scores, consumer protection, higher education expenses, insurance and taxes, investing, payment types, renting versus owning and savings plans.
"High school students are approaching a time in their lives when they often have to begin making important financial decisions for themselves," May said. "Providing free classes educating them on a variety of related topics can help them to make these decisions confidently and build a strong foundation for their futures."
May said the program is available to students in grade levels 9-12, and consists of nine course modules, which take 45-50 minutes each to finish.
"Currently, 52 percent of Hoosiers lack a rainy day fund to cover unexpected emergency expenses," Lawson said. "Not being prepared for unexpected expenses can financially cripple an individual for years to come and costs them thousands in interest and fees. By teaching students to be financially fit, they will be better prepared to make decisions now that will help them achieve future goals such as applying for financial aid or buying a home."
The web-based curriculum is derived from state and national financial education standards and adequately prepares students to be responsible for their financial future.
To find out more about the program, visit www.in.gov/sos/indianamoneywise/4495.htm.
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.
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