Financial Literacy For Youth (FLY)

What is the Financial Literacy for Youth Program?

The Financial Literacy for Youth Program (FLY) was originally developed by Cornell Cooperative Extension's Family and Consumer Education Program in collaboration with The United Way of Dutchess County. The FLY program has been designed to provide financial literacy education to youth aged 13-18, as a means to enhance their financial well-being into adulthood. Each youth is given a FLY tool kit to use throughout the series. At the end of the program, students receive a graduation certificate and are able to keep their FLY tool kits for future use.

These educational services, events and resources are provided throughout Dutchess County at fee-for-service rates. Please utilize the contact information below for more information!

FLY Topics include:

• Identifying needs vs. wants
• Tracking spending habits
• Exploring checking and savings accounts
• Creating a budget and savings plan
• Exploring the true cost of credit
• Critically thinking about media and advertising in marketing and financial promotions.

The Financial Literacy for Youth program has reached youth throughout Dutchess County for over fifteen years with a focus on area schools, youth-groups, and service organizations. These workshops are free and can be provided on site or via Zoom.

FLY Workshop Information:

This course runs in four “sessions” that is usually provided in two 2-hour workshops. The curriculum runs about 4-hours long in total but can be modified for 3 hours.

Session 1: Decision Making and Goals

Session 2: Income and Careers (the money you earn)

Session 3: Savings, Investing, and Retirement Planning (the money you keep)

Session 4: Principles of Money Management (the money you spend)

Each attendee will have a workbook that will provide the opportunity for recording notes, extra bonus material, resource links, activities, and exercises. They will also receive a completion certificate at the end of this workshop series.

Prior scheduling and a dedicated contact person in needed. Instructor requires electricity and a screen for PowerPoint presentation. Print materials will be emailed prior to workshop for distribuion.

Participant Quotes:

“My students were extremely excited to take home the budget goal exercise. Many said that they wanted to let their parents use the form. They have also referenced checks and banking during other class discussions. They have looked forward to receiving their folders to take home.”

“We learned how to save up money for needs and wants. It was cool because I got to see how much money I would have to save each day if I want to buy a car when I am 16. I think that it was good that we were learning about credit and real-world stuff.”

“I like to talk about things about life. It really helps you out in the world. I learned how to write a check and all about expenses.”

“I enjoyed all of the activities because I learned something new every time I walked into this class and was honored to participate.”

“What I enjoyed was having actual conversations and playing games that helped us understand more about financial literacy. I liked everything we did, especially the advertisement activity.”

“I showed my mom how to fill out a check, she was proud of me.”

“I enjoyed learning about the SMART steps from FLY. It helped me realize that that you could save up for almost anything. I used this process to find out that if I wanted a top of the line hockey stick that cost $220, I would have to save up fifty-six cents a day until next fall. That means this is a realistic idea.”

“I liked learning about everything. I liked learning how to fill out checks and keep your bank account organized because I was always scared I would never learn how.”

“What I enjoyed learning most was how to balance my money between food, bills, mortgage, etc. Also, learning about attainable goals was a fun experience.”

Parent/Caregiver Quotes:

“Thank you for taking the time to work with these young students and future consumers. These lessons are so very important and I know Matthew has learned a great deal.”

“Conner has become more aware of how much it costs to run a household.”

“Anthony has begun to save his own earnings and calculates how long it will take to save up for the things he wants to buy”

“When I go to the ATM, Dana has been writing the transaction in my checkbook register for me and has taken an interest by asking questions.”

“Daniel has demonstrated improved saving habits when he receives his allowance. He has also made better decisions while setting a long term goal for a future purchase.”

Last updated February 14, 2024