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On May 27 th , the ELECT (Education Leading to Employment and Career Training) program at Germantown High held closing ceremonies for its Financial Advancement Network program. This six week program, sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, covered important issues such as career choice, budgeting, controlling expenses, generating income, and building wealth.
This program, coordinated by Tamara Grossett of GPUAC, was adapted from its original framework targeting adults, to teach relevant financial topics to teens in a school setting. The Germantown High School students have been a first in many ways. This is the first Financial Advancement Network designed specifically for youth. Also, this is the first and only financial club of this type that currently exists in the School District of Philadelphia.
As a foundation for long term growth, students that met attendance requirements each received a $25 savings bond in their name. The President of the Financial Advancement Network at Germantown in addition, received a day-planner from ELECT and a $25 gift certificate to K-MART from the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition (GPUAC, www.gpuac.org ). Club members that are graduating will still be a part of the network when school resumes in September. When school starts in September, these students will receive a FAN Club newsletter which will keep them informed about money issues and financial issues relevant to their lives and their futures after high school.
The Financial Advancement Network (FAN) Club program is a vehicle to get financial education into Philadelphia neighborhoods and increase the level of financial literacy and awareness in our communities. It is designed to empower club members through education and peer support. Clubs pick their own club Presidents and Vice Presidents who will also have the option to be trained as community financial educators.
The FAN Club program was launched by GPAUC this spring and currently there are clubs at Catholic Social Services, YMCA North Philadelphia, and Women's Opportunities Resource Center. The program is expected to grow by five to seven more clubs by the end of the year.
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