Citizens Bank Grant to Boost Literacy Education for Girl Scouts

From the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains has received a $5,000 grant from Citizens Bank, allowing the organization to provide its renowned financial literacy program to at-risk and underserved girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, empowering them to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and leaders.

The award, given at the start of National Financial Literacy Month, is one of two grants received by New Hampshire nonprofits through Citizens Bank’s internationally-recognized Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money program. This year, the program will provide more than $1.4 million in support of financial education programming throughout 2017.

Joe Carelli, President, Citizens Bank, New Hampshire said the company strives to promote financial health, while giving back to the neighborhoods it serves. “Investing in the communities where we live and work enriches us all,” Carelli said. “Citizens Helping Citizens aims to provide the tools and support to drive the economic vitality of the streets, neighborhoods, and towns we serve.”

Financial Literacy has long been a cornerstone of the Girl Scout leadership curriculum, with 23 percent of the 132 Girl Scout badges requiring financial literacy skills. In fact, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is often the first introduction to business planning for girls, combining a research-and-outcomes-based financial literacy curriculum, online learning, and the Girl Scout Cookie Sale — the largest girl-led business in the world. In a recent study, 74 percent of parents credit their daughter gaining entrepreneurial business skills because of Girl Scouts.

In 2016, GSGWM piloted its “Cookie Troops” program, serving 33 girls in three Manchester elementary schools. After receiving a positive response from those involved, the organization expanded these site-based troops across both Vermont and New Hampshire with additional curriculum offered throughout the entire school year. With the generous support of Citizens Bank, GSGWM will continue with the program for the 2017-2018 school year, expanding its reach to older girls and to more school sites, serving at least 100 at-risk girls.

“We recognize that financial literacy skills matter now more than ever, with today’s young people needing a solid understanding of age-appropriate money management and economics,” said Patricia K. Mellor, chief executive officer for Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. “In essence, it’s critical for girls to receive financial literacy education.”

Photo courtesy of the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains