NEWS RELEASE

Posted: Dec.12, 2002

MARKELL: FINANCIAL LITERACY WINS AWARD

The Delaware Financial Literacy Initiatives was selected as a national winner of the Council of State Governments (CSG) 2002 Innovations Award.  The Award was presented Saturday at the CSG conference in Richmond, Virginia.  State Treasurer Jack Markell and Governor Ruth Ann Minner were on hand to accept the award.   

“Helping people understand the fundamentals of saving and money management has never been more important,” said Markell.  “Our initiatives give people the tools they need to take control of their financial lives.”  

The Delaware Financial Literacy Initiatives, chosen as one of the top state government programs in the country, competed with more than 140 applications from governments across the country. 

“I am always proud to see Delaware recognized as a leader in education and Jack Markell has helped achieve this in the financial literacy arena,” said Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner . 

The CSG Innovations Award brings greater visibility to exemplary state programs and helps share these ideas with other state leaders.  The program is the only comprehensive, national award that focuses exclusively on state initiatives.  State leaders evaluate applicants and choose winners based on a variety of criteria, including creativity, effectiveness, and the program’s applicability to its region’s needs and to other states.  There were eight such programs selected nationally in 2002.   

The Delaware Financial Literacy Initiatives are a range of financial literacy programs, including the Delaware Money School, the Everywoman’s Money Conference, the Delaware Bank At School program, and the Money $marts Kids Conference.  All of these programs help Delawareans – especially those of low- and moderate-income – gain the financial knowledge to make smart choices and gain greater self-sufficiency.  The Delaware Money School at  http://www.delawaremoneyschool.com/ is a popular community-based initiative, which offers ongoing financial education classes in a hassle-free environment.  Almost all classes are free, and to date, the program has reached over 8,000 students. 

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