Pilot Program Teaches Tarrytown Girls About Financial Literacy

A program aimed at educating young girls about the importance of financial literacy made its debut at the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. Through the efforts of Superintendent Dr. Raymond Sanchez and the Westchester County Youth Bureau, in a partnership with G.O.O.D. for Girls, Inc. (GfG), approximately 35 Sleepy Hollow Middle and High School female students were able to take part in the Financially Intelligent Teens (FIT) program from August 12 to the 16. Thanks to a grant to Sleepy Hollow from Westchester County those interested in the program were afforded the opportunity to participate. Each girl received a backpack full of supplies and a t-shirt, as well as breakfast and lunch daily, all free of charge.

GfG is an organization that engages girls, from ages nine to 18, and assists them in becoming the best version of themselves. The organization focuses on their qualities to strengthen positive development, such as personal identity, communication skills, and decision making.

“This is a pilot program with the Tarrytown schools, we have done this in our program but not to this extent,” said Lori Stephens, Founder and Executive Director of G.O.O.D. for Girls, Inc. “Everything that is being shared with these young ladies is necessary for them to be a success.”

SHHS and SHMS students were provided a list of programs to choose from earlier in the school year that they would be interested in taking during the summer. They agreed that financial literacy was on the top of the list of areas they would like to explore.

“The students had a say, and that made all the difference,” said Joan Mullin, Library Media Specialist and Department Chair for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. “The lessons were phenomenal that the group put together. Everything was done in a fun and engaging way. I wish I had this when I was younger.”

FIT is a program aimed at educating young girls, so they are fully prepared for financial independence. It provides a wealth of information to help sharpen skills in money management, consumerism, and financial planning.

“This program empowers girls to turn their aspirations into reality, one smart decision at a time. My favorite part was learning about Smart Goals. I’ve always had many goals I’ve wanted to achieve, but no idea how to get there,” said SHHS tenth grader Isabella R. “After participating in this program I now know how to make my goals a reality.”

Throughout the program the girls were taught to manage their money and resources while receiving a comprehensive experience.

“They learned banking basics such as how to balance a checkbook, what does your checkbook mean, consumer awareness, the Stock Market, and different ways to save,” said Ms. Mullin.

To run the program at the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, GfG trained four Tarrytown faculty members to share a wealth of financial knowledge with the students. This helped provide the students with a solid foundation in order for them to decide the lifestyle they would like to pursue.

“I learned about how important it was to prepare for college and my future. The teachers explained things in a way that made it easy to understand. They broke things down and said them in easier ways,” said SHMS seventh grader Yanillel R.

The FIT program is just one of many programs that GfG offers, each one building on one another to provide young girls a brighter, more independent future. Each program is a component in a series which piggybacks of the previous lesson.

“I tell people all the time the real reward is the girls. How they flourish and succeed after leaving the program,” said Ms. Stephens “We are extremely proud of what our program offers. The goal is for them becoming positive, productive adults in their chosen profession.”