(TOPEKA, Kan.) - With school not in session for many kids on Friday, Oct. 12, Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, CPA hopes sixth, seventh and eighth grade students in the Topeka area will spend the day learning about money. They are invited to attend Treasurer Jenkins' Money$mart Dollars & Cents camp being held at Washburn University's Student Union from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Many schools in the area except for the Topeka Public Schools and the Seaman school district have the day off," said Treasurer Jenkins. "Attending the Money$mart camp is a great way to keep the middle schoolers busy and educate them on how to save money and to establish financial goals for their futures."
The all-day camp, sponsored by Treasurer Jenkins, the Kansas Credit Union Association and by the local Capital Chapter of Credit Unions, is a financial management camp created specifically for Kansas middle school students. It is designed to offer sixth, seventh and eighth grade students training in sound personal financial philosophies and practices in a fun environment that enhances leadership and teamwork skills. Students will engage in specific workshops regarding topics such as Money & Choices, Budgeting, Saving and Goal-Setting and Cash and Credit.
"Financial education is vital to the success of our state's citizens and it must begin with our youth," said State Treasurer Jenkins. "The MoneySmart Financial Management Camps are a perfect way to bring this invaluable information to young people so they can begin to understand how to make responsible decisions with their money."
The cost to participate is $20, but scholarships are available through the credit unions. Each child who participates will receive all training materials, meals/snacks, cinch pack and a t-shirt. Middle school students and their parents are encouraged to go online at www.KansasStateTreasurer.com and click on Money$mart to download an application. Space is limited and applications are due Sept. 28. Contact Michelle Kaberline with the State Treasurer's office with any questions at 785-296-0645 or FinancialLiteracy@treasurer.state.ks.us.
In addition to Money$mart, Treasurer Jenkins has instituted several other financial education opportunities to encourage Kansans to take a pro-active approach in handling their finances. Statewide programs offered include "MoneyWise," a free monthly financial newsletter available at KansasStateTreasurer.com and "Save@School," a savings program at local elementary schools.
Jenkins, a former State Representative and Senator from Topeka, was re-elected to her second term as Kansas State Treasurer on Nov. 7, 2006. During her time as Treasurer, Jenkins has expanded investment options in Learning Quest and oversaw the re-bidding of the program, returned an average of $9 million a year in unclaimed property to Kansans, initiated multiple financial literacy programs, and eliminated the reliance on state general fund dollars to operate the office. She is a Certified Public Accountant and former small business owner.
