Literacy Center offers current learners free course in financial literacy

In recognition of National Financial Literacy Month, the Literacy Center of West Michigan has offered a math and reading course in financial literacy to their current learners. The free course, funded by National Human Resources Development (NHRD), runs from April 18 to June 3 and is held at the Literacy Center.

“Financial literacy is equally as important as reading and language skills, and is a way to apply the foundation skills in an important context in real life and workplace.   It is important that the learners in our Customized Workplace English Program have an understanding of financial responsibility,” said Vera Grishkina, director of the Literacy Center’s Customized Workplace English program.

The topics included in the workshop are:

• Building Financial Responsibility and Making Financial Decisions
• Budgeting for Today and the Future
• Using Financial Institutions and Services
• Managing Your Money for Today and the Future
• Consumer Protection

Each participant will receive a Financial Literacy Certificate upon completion of the course.

The course will be taught by Tom Gole, who is currently teaching pre-GED courses at Grand Rapids Community College.  In February, the Literacy Center hosted a series of financial literacy workshops presented by the staff of Lake Michigan Credit Union.