Area students learning about personal finances through a new software program

A screen shot from the EverFi program

Students at Decorah High School, South Winneshiek High School and Crestwood High School are taking part in a new financial literacy education program with support from Decorah Bank & Trust and the software company EverFi, Inc.

The software provides a web-based, e-learning platform to bring complex financial concepts to life.  Students can increase their financial skills and earn certification in more than 600 finance-related topics.

Decorah Bank & Trust Company has partnered with EverFi to bring this interactive financial education program at no cost to the high schools.
Said Decorah High School Principal Kim Sheppard, "A critical component for the future success of our young people depends on how well they understand the financial system.  This financial education format will align with the new financial literacy national requirements. Our students will gain a better understanding of their own money decisions that will be relevant to them now and for years to come."    

South Winneshiek High School Principal Mary Recker adds, "As part of the Iowa 21st Century Standards, we are very pleased to incorporate the EverFi Financial Literacy Platform into our curriculum with the support of Decorah Bank".

The 10-unit online course offers six hours of programming aimed at teaching, assessing and certifying students on a variety of financial topics, including credit scores, insurance, student loans, mortgages, credit cards, taxes, stocks, savings, 401(k)'s and other important concepts. The system tracks the progress and scores of each student and provides those who successfully complete the course with a "Certification in Financial Literacy," which can be featured on college applications and resumes.

Decorah Bank & Trust President Ben Grimstad said, "Our area high schools are some of the first in Iowa and the nation to form financial literacy education partnerships and we can't wait to get started."