(TOPEKA, Kan.) - Dollars will make sense to sixth, seventh and eighth graders in the Mission Valley area in 2008 after they attend State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, CPA, Money$mart Dollars & "Sense" camp. The camp will be held Friday, January 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dover Community building and will offer a unique educational experience to the communities' middle school students.
"This is the second year we will have a Money$mart camp in the Mission Valley area," said Treasurer Jenkins. "The kids responded very well to it last year and the community wanted us back to teach financial literacy to the middle schoolers in the area."
"I am very proud of each student and compliment their families on placing priority on this subject matter," Treasurer Jenkins said.
Space is limited and applications are due December 14 along with the $15 registration fee. Middle school students and their parents are encouraged to talk to their teachers or go online at www.KansasStateTreasurer.com and click on Money$mart to download an application. Contact Michelle Kaberline with the State Treasurer's office with any questions at 785-296-0645 or FinancialLiteracy@treasurer.state.ks.us. Each child who participates will receive all training materials, meals/snacks, cinch pack, calculator and a t-shirt.
The all-day camp, co-sponsored by Judy K. Thomas and Kris Welborn, with Wachovia Securities, is a financial management camp created specifically for Kansas middle school students. It is designed to offer middle school 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, budgeting, interest, saving, goal-setting, and credit.
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.
"I am excited to offer these unique programs to Kansans," Treasurer Jenkins said. "Having the tools necessary for a financially secure future is critical to our state's welfare and all its residents."
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 nearly $1.5 billion 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.
