YORK, PA – Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today joined Rep. Carol Hill-Evans (D-York), Central York High School Workforce Readiness Coordinator Ellie Lamison and financial planner Dr. Constance Craig-Mason at the high school to kick-off Financial Literacy Month and unveil House Resolution 408, designating April as “Financial Literacy Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.
“Financial Literacy is a critical life skill that everyone must learn to set themselves up for future financial success, especially our kids,” Auditor General DeFoor said. “I commend the work that Rep. Hill-Evans and Central York are doing to prepare the next generation of Pennsylvanians. Through our Be Money $mart initiative, we are working together to make sure Pennsylvanians are financially aware and secure.”
“It is a pleasure to partner with Auditor General DeFoor as we kick-off Financial Literacy Awareness Month in April,” Rep. Hill Evans said. “I’m proud to sponsor House Resolution HR408 which recognizes April as Financial Literacy Awareness Month in Pennsylvania especially because awareness builds a bridge to action. Success with money starts with clarity—know where you are, where you want to go, and the steps to get there. Financial literacy awareness is a step in the right direction today which can lead to financial freedom tomorrow.”
National Financial Literacy Month is celebrated each year in April. It emphasizes the importance of being financially literate and encourages people to learn how to become financially smart. Throughout the month, Auditor General DeFoor will be partnering with elected officials, businesses, schools and universities to promote financial literacy resources and recognize organizations who are teaching essential money smart skills.
DeFoor has spent nearly five years promoting financial literacy across the state as part of his ‘Be Money $mart’ initiative. Since the launch in 2021, DeFoor has:
- Launched a statewide art contest for students to design the cover of a financial literacy activity book;
- Partnered with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and Members 1st Federal Credit Union to coordinate a statewide financial literacy competition for high school students;
- Met with teachers and students in high school classrooms across Pennsylvania in recognition of successful financial literacy learning opportunities;
- Visited all state and state related universities in Pennsylvania, as well as community colleges, to talk about job and internship opportunities within the department and the importance of knowing how your money works;
- Moderated financial literacy panels for community organizations, the agriculture industry and local chambers of commerce;
- Partnered with the Pennsylvania Library Association to highlight free financial literacy resources and the PA Forward program;
- Visited YMCAs across the Commonwealth to talk about financial literacy for all ages;
- Worked with Junior Achievement to emphasize financial literacy messages to elementary school students and participated in multiple BizTown simulations; and
- Partnered with CrossState Credit Union Association and other credit unions and financial institutions across the state to promote free financial literacy resources, including hosting ‘Money $mart Mondays’ with PSECU.
For more information on the Department of the Auditor General’s financial literacy efforts, visit www.PaAuditor.gov/BeMoneySmart
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Media contact: April Hutcheson, 717-787-1381 or news@paauditor.gov