"It is crucial that we teach young people that they are primarily responsible for their financial futures," said Treasurer Jenkins. "I am thrilled to be partnered with K-State Federal Credit Union to help educate Manhattan's children on money management skills."

The "Save @ School" program introduces students to the concepts of money management by having participating students open savings accounts and make deposits on scheduled days at their schools. The school will also offer a class based on curriculum distributed by the State Treasurer's office and approved by the Kansas Department of Education.

"We want the students to leave class with more than a grade," Jenkins said. "We want them to walk away with a hefty savings account and an understanding of money management."

State Treasurer Jenkins partnered with the K-State Federal Credit Union during the last school year to bring the "Save @ School" program to Woodrow Wilson Elementary students. The "in school" credit union, staffed by six 5th and 6th grade students and supervised by Credit Union staff, accepted deposits every Tuesday morning beginning in October 2004. Forty-two students opened accounts and saved $2,275.83. The school has continued the program this school year.

"If we can educate children at the elementary school level about the need to be financially responsible, hopefully we can help them become better prepared to handle their responsibilities as they mature," said Vickie Hurt, President of the K-State Federal Credit Union. "I sincerely believe that this project is worthwhile for the students at Lee Elementary School and the community."

K-State Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, owned and controlled by its members, chartered in 1946 to meet the financial needs of educational employee groups in the Manhattan area. All employees of an approved employee group are eligible for membership in the credit union. This includes all employees and students of K-State, all employees of Riley County and Riley County public schools, and employees of other select Manhattan area businesses. K-State Federal Credit Union is working to make a difference in the community and was honored with the Best Practice in Community Involvement Award for 2005 from the Kansas Credit Union Association.

Jenkins, a former State Representative and Senator from Topeka, was elected Treasurer on Nov. 5, 2002. She is a Certified Public Accountant and former small business owner. Since being sworn into office in January 2003, Jenkins has expanded investment options in Learning Quest, initiated multiple financial literacy programs, and eliminated the reliance on state general fund dollars to operate the office.