December 14, 2012

WHF Foundation Members Teach Financial Literacy to Silver Spring Elementary School Students

On November 28 and December 4, WHF Foundation members Julie Bush, Jan Buresh, Cynthia Curry-Daniel and Kenneth Swab joined other volunteers at Highland Elementary School in Silver Spring, to teach fifth graders financial education in conjunction with Operation HOPE’s Banking on the Future program. Operation HOPE focuses on urban, under-served communities. 

The volunteers paired up to teach a fifth grade class, while other volunteers taught in four other fourth and fifth grade classes. One hundred and fifty students participated, getting two two-hour sessions on successive Wednesdays on topics that included savings, budgeting, credit and investments.

“Teaching these children is a wonderful experience,” said volunteer Ken Swab.  “I’ve taught in different schools over the past several years, and every one has been rewarding.”

The volunteers are provided with training materials and a two-hour “Train the Trainer” session prior to the event.  Volunteers are trained to break down their knowledge of banking and credit into terms that youth can understand and utilize immediately.

This year’s teaching was the fifth year that WHF Foundation members have teamed up with Operation HOPE to teach in Washington area schools.  Members of the Foundation , working with Operation HOPE have taught in elementary, middle and high schools in the District of Columbia, Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties since 2008. 

"The WHF Foundation is pleased to participate in Operation HOPE events," said WHF Foundation President Mary Martha Fortney.  "WHF volunteers have been supportive for years, and we look forward to future events.”

The next teaching opportunity for WHF Foundation members with Operation HOPE will take place this coming April at a District of Columbia high school.

For more information about teaching opportunities with the WHF Foundation please contact Karen Bellesi at Karen.Bellesi@OCC.Treas.Gov.


WHF members Cynthia Curry-Daniel and Kenneth Swab teaching at Highland Elementary School

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Women in Housing & Finance (www.whfdc.org)

Established in 1979, Women in Housing and Finance (WHF) is an association of women and men active in the fields of financial services and housing. Our members include professionals and executives from the private and public sectors, including corporations, financial institutions, regulatory agencies, government sponsored enterprises, congressional staff, associations, law firms and non-profit organizations.