BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho will likely make gains in financial literacy this month thanks to a joint effort by the Idaho Credit Union League, the University of Idaho Extension Service and the National Endowment for Financial Education, which includes a grant from the National Credit Union Foundation.
The credit union organizations are funding TV and radio ads featuring the state's First Lady Lori Otter as a high-profile spokeswoman on the topic.
One reason for the renewed emphasis has been last year's revision by NEFE of its literacy curriculum, explained LaRaye O'Brien, communications specialist for the league who said Idaho CUs "have definitely increased our enthusiasm and involvement."
The updated curriculum, she said, "is much more appealing and relevant for teens" and underscores the escalating need for financial literacy throughout the country, she said. In Idaho, it has led to NCUF's funding of the TV commercials scheduled to begin running across the state April 13 starring Mrs. O'Brien, the wife of the state's governor, E. L. "Butch" Otter, as the financial literacy spokeswoman.
Mrs. Otter, a former Idaho teacher, was to begin filming the TV ads last week with the commercials in which she will tout the need for quality financial education in high schools, said O'Brien noting a $36,000 grant from NCUF helped fund the literacy series.
In addition, through a partnership with the U of I Extension Service, the league, she said, is providing five teacher-training sessions across Idaho this summer. The sessions, as well as all NEFE curriculum materials, are free under sponsorship of several Idaho credit unions
As part of the NEFE program, league officials have been talking up the program to audience across the state, including Idaho legislators. On March 18-20, O'Brien spoke about the program to the Idaho House and Senate Education Committees and to the House Business Committee.
Mrs. Otter has been interviewed on several local talk radio programs and has more appearances scheduled throughout the state.
Even though the literacy material was written with teens in mind, many others find the lessons applicable in their lives, she said. For instance, the Idaho Department of Corrections has adopted the curriculum for use in their facilities' vocational programs.
"It is not enough to help find jobs for parolees," she said, "we need to give them the skills to use their money wisely when they're back in the community."
--jrubenscut@aol.com
