(Host) Vermont’s state treasurer was in Burlington Thursday to kick off a statewide financial literacy program for kids.
Jeb Spaulding was at the C.P. Smith Elementary School to introduce the new reading program, which provides schools with high quality books that teach financial concepts in a way that’s interesting to elementary students.
Spaulding says it’s important to start teaching those concepts early.
(Spaulding) "It’s an increasingly complex financial world. And two-thirds of Vermonters have stated on their own that they’re not financially capable. And what we’re trying to do is work in the early years to start people with the basic concepts that will allow them to eventually be financially literate and able to participate fully in the community."
(Host) The "Reading Is An Investment" program is being supported by a financial literacy trust fund. Spaulding hopes the program will be ongoing – with new books arriving at school libraries, as well as some small "rewards" for students.
(Spaulding) "For the students that read books, keep track of a log and send them in to the treasurer’s office, they’ll be eligible to win a $250 starter higher education savings account that will grow, and help them pay for college."
(Host) Forty-six schools around the state are participating in the program, and more are expected to come on board in the coming year.