View Points Newsletter Article | Spring 2016

St. Helens Community in Our Schools

St. Helens Community is a part of St. Helens, Scappoose and now Rainier High School. Fact is, we have a student-run branch in all three schools, which is central to our Student Teller Program. But did you know that we also bring financial literacy to schools all over the area? Already, our volunteers have impacted over 300 students at many area schools. Yours could be next.

Upcoming Educational Opportunities
“The program we bring to schools is called Financial Beginnings,” stated Annette Pixley, St. Helens Community Marketing Specialist. “We’ve brought the program to Arthur Academy, Sauvie Island Elementary, Columbia County Christian School, and both St. Helens and Scappoose high schools. We’ll be going to Lewis and Clark in May.”

The program and curriculum covers different aspects of financial literacy depending on the age group. Younger students learn about the history and importance of money, how to write a check, some financial terms, annual percentage yields, and more. The older kids are taught budgeting and credit and how both will affect their financial future.

Not Just Financial Education
“Our volunteers have even gone into classrooms and brought books to first graders at Grant Watts School,” said Pixley. “And each year we go out and celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day.”

Financial Reality Fair Coming Soon
St. Helens Community, in partnership with Northwest Credit Union Foundation, will bring a Financial Reality Fair to Scappoose High School on April 21st. So, what is a Financial Reality Fair? It’s a chance for students to see what real life is like.

At the beginning of the fair, each student is given an occupation and annual income. They are then tasked with visiting all of the different stations, including transportation, housing, insurance, clothing, food, electronics and more. At each station, they decide how much of their budget to utilize. The goal is to teach high school students about budgeting in a safe environment – before they go out into the real world where mistakes can dramatically affect their credit and financial future.

Looking to bring our brand of financial education to your classroom or school? Call us at 503.397.2376 and ask for marketing.