Congresswoman visits financial literacy class conducted by Alliant

05/09/2013• Press Releases

Jan Schakowsky, U.S. Representative for Illinois' 9th Congressional District, visited Algonquin Middle School in Des Plaines, IL on Wednesday, May 1st to observe a class on Checking and Savings accounts. The class is part of a four-course curriculum called Banking on Our Future, which teaches the basics of banking and the importance of credit and investment. These financial literacy classes are taught by specially trained employee volunteers from Alliant Credit Union, which is headquartered nearby. The Congresswoman praised the concept of teaching youth about money matters.

U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky visits a Checking and Savings Accounts class at Algonquin Middle School in Des Plaines, IL. The school, which is in her Congressional District (Illinois' 9th), regularly holds financial literacy classes for 8th grade students. The classes are taught by employees of nearby Alliant Credit Union.

The classes occur during each quarter of the school year for 8th graders at Algonquin and Chippewa Middle Schools in Des Plaines. Over the past several years, virtually every student attending public middle school in Des Plaines has taken them. The program was developed by Operation HOPE, a national organization that helps people succeed through financial literacy and economic empowerment.

As a former elementary school teacher, Representative Schakowsky has a strong commitment to education. "The future of our economy and the success of our country depend on a renewed commitment to public education," she said. The Congresswoman added, "Students with access to financial literacy classes through programs such as Banking on Our Future are provided an excellent opportunity that helps prepare them for financial success in life."

Plans for Representative Schakowsky to visit a Banking on Our Future class began earlier this year. She had expressed interest in the program when discussing it with Alliant Credit Union Sr. Vice President of Corporate Affairs Lee Schafer. Mr. Schafer said, "We're delighted that Jan Schakowsky shares our commitment and enthusiasm for the cause of financial literacy, especially for young people who represent the future of our community and country.

U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (Illinois' 9th Congressional District) meets with Alliant Credit Union Sr. VP Corporate Affairs Lee Schafer (left) and Alliant President & CEO David Mooney, in support of financial literacy. The Congresswoman was visiting Algonquin Middle School in Des Plaines, IL to observe a class on Checking & Savings Accounts. The class is part of a 4-course financial literacy curriculum taught to 8th grade students by Alliant employee volunteers. The program, called Banking on Our Future, was developed by Operation HOPE, Inc.

Alliant President and CEO David Mooney added, "I'm so proud of our employees who teach these classes to provide students with knowledge that can be of great value to them in the future."

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