YMCA Hosts Youth Financial Literacy Program

 ATLANTA - Atlanta City Councilmember Keisha Lance Bottoms is pleased to host a three-day course designed to teach Atlanta’s youth personal financial responsibility and money management skills that can last a lifetime.

The Youth Financial Literacy Program will equip youth with the necessary critical economic thinking tools needed for tomorrow’s economy.

The free program will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturdays from Feb. 19 until March 5 at The Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA.

The program will offer workshops and courses on financial literacy, fun-filled exercises, and hands-on activities for youth grades 7 thru 12.

The Youth Financial Literacy Program will also educate Atlanta’s youth about important financial matters by exploring traditional and non-traditional ways of building wealth.

"Our young people rise to the level of our expectations," said Councilmember Lance Bottoms. "If we expect financial responsibility from them, we will get it in return. However, they can only put out what we put in them. Our young people have the ability and desire to excel in the area of finance and it’s up to us to expose them to the tools to make it happen. What they learn today will last a lifetime."

The course will be facilitated by Atlanta-based financial literacy advocate, Rashida Winfrey. Ms. Winfrey has over 13 years experience providing financial management, sales and business strategy for Fortune 500 companies such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Lockheed Martin and PNC Financial Services. She currently serves as President of Mosaic Advisors, a business management firm.

"I believe that when we teach children about money management at early ages it increases the chance that they will become financially responsible adults,” Winfrey said. "I'm thrilled that Councilmember Bottoms cares so much about the youth in our community that she is offering such a valuable program. Each participant will have fun while learning some invaluable tools."

The National Association of Securities Professionals will also provide licensed investment advisors to teach participants about personal financial management.

Financial planners across the country say now more than ever, it is vital that youth learn personal finance so they are prepared for the financial realities of the real world.

Teaching money management skills that are focused on a 'practical' financial education will help to reduce debt, increase savings and help to ensure financial security in an ever unpredictable economy.

The Youth Financial Literacy Program will include guest appearances and financial coaching by several Atlanta celebrities, among them Grammy award winning producer DJ Toomp and five-time NFL Pro Bowler, Julian Peterson.

“I think teaching kids what to lookout for when they are young is so important,” Peterson said. I think it's horrible that credit card companies prey on young adults. If they get this type of knowledge early, hopefully they will be informed enough that they won't become targets. I'm very excited to share my experiences with the Atlanta’s young adults."

Sponsors for the Youth Financial Literacy Program include Jackmont Hospitality, Dr. Kevin Dancy DDS, Murray Brothers Funeral Home and Aimee & Julian Peterson.