Summary of Past Recipients
Birmingham Homeownership Center
On July 22, the Birmingham Homeownership Center (the Center) in Birmingham, Alabama received the Department of the Treasury John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education for its efforts to increase financial literacy of the people of the greater Birmingham, Alabama area through its homeownership education program.
The Center is a nonprofit organization with the goal of preserving, protecting and promoting homeownership opportunities. The Center hosts free classes on various homeownership topics and markets housing opportunities to those who are qualified but were not interested in homeownership. It also provides tangible assistance to those who are already interested but may have difficulty qualifying for homeownership. The Center’s efforts are keyed to increasing homeownership to national average levels.
The Sacramento Mutual Housing Association
On February 26, 2004, The Sacramento Mutual Housing Association
(SMHA) received the Department of the Treasury Certificate
of Recognition for its efforts in teaching financial education
to individuals in mutual housing communities throughout
Sacramento, including non-English speaking residents.
The SMHA’s financial education program, the Financial
Education Workshop Series, consists of six two-hour classes
covering topics such as budgeting, basic banking, credit
improvement and maintenance, money management, being a smart
consumer, and building assets. The Workshop, which began
in the spring of 2001 and is free to all participants, is
given in languages such as Hmong, Russian, and Spanish.
The SMHA is a non-profit corporation that develops, owns,
and operates affordable multi-family housing to serve the
community interest. Its mission is to develop and operate
permanently affordable housing that builds strong and stable
communities through resident participation and leadership
development. The Financial Education Workshop Series is
a collaborative effort of the Sacramento Mutual Housing
Association, Mercy Housing California, and the Sacramento
Valley Organizing Community, supported by the American Express
Foundation, the Allstate Foundation, and the Neighborhood
Reinvestment Corporation.
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Operation HOPE, Inc.
On October 22, 2004, Operation HOPE, Inc. received the
Department of the Treasury John Sherman Award for Excellence
in Financial Education for its efforts in teaching financial
education through “Banking on Our Future.”
"Banking on Our Future” is an economic literacy
initiative that teaches children the basics of managing
their financial
futures and surviving in a global economy. The program,
which began in 1996, brings together volunteer banker-teachers
who go to local schools to teach four core modules. Volunteers
use exercises developed by the program to illustrate bank
basics, savings and checking accounts, the value of budgeting,
and investing. It is currently the only national urban
platform for economic literacy in the country today, operating
in eight states and the District of Columbia.
Operation HOPE, Inc. is a nonprofit social investment
bank and a national provider of financial literacy and
economic
empowerment programs. Through ongoing collaborations and
long-term partnerships with leading government, private
sector, and community interests, Operation HOPE, Inc. works
to bring self-sufficiency and a sustained spirit of revitalization
to America's inner-city communities. Operation HOPE, Inc. “Banking
on Our Future” program has delivered financial literacy
education and related services to more than 135,000 children
across the country.
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Young Americans Center for Financial Education
On July 22, 2004, the Young Americans Center for Financial
Education received the John Sherman Award for Excellence
in Financial Education for its noteworthy contributions
in promoting financial education through Young AmeriTowne.
Young AmeriTowne is a unique hands-on lesson in free enterprise
that introduces young people to the basic principles of
our economic system by allowing them to run their own town.
Participants in Young AmeriTowne go through job interviews,
learn about business ethics, and discuss community responsibility.
Young AmeriTowne participants gain hands-on experience in
banking, marketing, customer service, supply and demand,
government, and the legal system.
Young Americans Center for Financial Education is a non-profit
organization that offers a wide array of hands-on experiences
that reinforce knowledge of banking and personal finance,
free enterprise, global economics, and entrepreneurship.
Each year, 40,000 young people under age 22 participate
in innovative programs and services such as AmeriTowne that
teach life skills in money management, decision-making,
work-force readiness, social development, civic awareness,
work ethics, and financial self-sufficiency.
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American Bankers Association
On October 16, 2003, the American Bankers Association
(ABA) Education Foundation was presented with the Department
of the Treasury Certificate of Recognition for providing
financial education to youngsters through Get Smart About
Credit Day. This program aims to raise awareness about the
responsible use of credit by uniting thousands of teens
and young adults with volunteer bankers across the country,
who teach students how to budget, use credit cards responsibly,
and build a positive payment history.
The ABA Education Foundation, a non-profit subsidiary of
the American Bankers Association, is committed to developing
and providing education programs that lead to financial
literacy. For more than seven decades, they have supported
the banking industry in teaching personal finance skills
in schools and communities across the country. The programs
they provide target young children, teenagers, and adults.
The Cardinal Bank, N.S., and Ms. Matlea Parker, a T.C. Williams
High School Finance Teacher, were also recognized for their
noteworthy contributions in promoting financial education
through their participation in Get Smart About Credit Day.
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FreshMinistries
On September 26, 2005, FreshMinistries of Jacksonville, Florida received the Department of the Treasury ’ Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education for its successes in providing financial education to the community of Jacksonville, Florida through its financial education program, the Jacksonville Individual Development Account (IDA) Partnership.
In addition to providing financial literacy, the IDA’s goal is to help low-income individuals reach financial independence. Participants of the IDP program put money into a special account which is matched two-to-one by FreshMinistries. The account is used to buy a home, pay for a college education or to start a business. FreshMinistries organized more than 20 community partners into the Jacksonville IDA Partnership which has been expanding financial literacy training across the community and enrolling participants into the matched savings accounts. Training occurs at locations convenient for participants.
FreshMinistries is a faith-based non-profit that develops interfaith initiatives for community restoration. FreshMinistries has also partnered with the Real Sense Prosperity Campaign to expand the use of the earned income tax credit and provide recipients with the opportunity for financial literacy training.
Human Services Coalition of Miami-Dade County
On February 20, 2004, the Human Services Coalition (HSC)
of Miami-Dade County received the Department of the Treasury
Certificate of Recognition for its successes in providing
financial education to the community in Miami-Dade County
through the Greater Miami Prosperity Campaign.
The Human Services Coalition (HSC) of Miami-Dade County
works to empower individuals and communities by promoting
civic engagement, economic fairness, and access to health
and human services. The goals of the Greater Miami Prosperity
Campaign are to increase the number of workers in Miami-Dade
County claiming the refundable Federal Earned Income Tax
Credit during tax season, to promote financial education,
and to enhance workers’ ability to build assets by
linking them to financial institutions and asset development
programs.
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The Center for Working Families, Inc.
On September 12, 2008, The Center for Working Families, Inc. (the Center) in Atlanta, Georgia received the Department of the Treasury John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education for its efforts to increase financial literacy in the Mechanicsville community of Atlanta, Georgia through its Moving to Wealth Pathway program.
In October 2005, the Center opened its doors endeavoring to improve job skill levels of its local residents, help parents find good jobs, and educate families about building assets. Operating in six neighborhoods clustered around Atlanta’s Turner Field, also known as Neighborhood Planning Unit V or NPU-V, the Center’s Moving to Wealth Pathway program helps newly employed and steady workers build assets and move towards homeownership. It focuses on credit, budgeting, financial planning, and homeownership preparedness. The ultimate goal of this program is to help residents build and maintain assets that will enable them to meet their short and long-term financial goals.
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John Lewis Community Service
On May 13, 2004, the John Lewis Community Service (JLCS)
received the Department of the Treasury Certificate of Recognition
for its efforts in providing financial education to low-income
and homeless individuals in Davenport, Iowa.
Founded in 1989, JLCS provides hospitality and support
to those in need and collaborates with the greater community
to challenge the root causes of poverty by focusing on community
development activities. Since April of 2003, members of
the community –from individuals in emergency shelter
to those looking to purchase a first home - have received
financial education through the JLCS Financial Literacy
Program. JLCS currently uses the NCRC curriculum, which
is modified to meet the individual needs of each participant.
The underlying goals of the program are to understand the
impact that money, economics and finances has on their life,
their neighborhood, and the broader community, and to gain
the basic skills necessary to make responsible financial
decisions, develop a personal safety net, and initiate a
savings program.
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
On September 27, 2004, the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers received the Department of the Treasury‘s John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education for its Money Matters on the Street financial education program in Des Moines, Iowa.
Founded in 1986, the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers is a non-profit organization that works to eliminate homelessness among youth and young mothers. Iowa Homeless Youth Centers serve as a support system to help the homeless youth and young mothers complete their education, obtain employment and learn how to function self-sufficiently. Money Matters on the Street is a 24-month project designed to help homeless young people understand and face financial responsibilities in order to become independent. Participants in the program who are already working toward independence will learn how basic finances apply to their everyday lives, how to get a job that will provide adequate compensation, and how to secure fairly priced rental housing.
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Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) Federal Credit Union
On April 27, 2007, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) Federal Credit Union, received the Department of the Treasury’s John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education for providing financial education to youth and adults alike throughout Livingston, Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes in Louisiana.
LA DOTD Federal Credit Union provides financial services to its members and helps enhance the financial education of the youth and adults of Louisiana. Its programs include: Captain Coin and Pirate Penny, Earning Income, How Would You Like to Pay?, Managing Cash, Checkbook Basics, Understanding Credit Reports, First Time Buyer Orientation and Identity Theft. The LA DOTD Federal Credit Union also has an In-School Branch program.
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Cedar Point Federal Credit Union
On October 29, 2003, the Cedar Point Federal Credit Union
received the Department of the Treasury Certificate of Recognition
for its efforts in providing financial education to the
community of Lexington Park, MD.
Cedar Point Federal Credit Union is a member owned financial
institution dedicated to providing its sponsor, charter
members, and potential members in the local community with
product and service excellence. This commitment is what
led it to establish its wholly owned subsidiary company,
Cedar Point Financial Services, Inc. (CPFS). CPFS was originally
established to educate credit union members and potential
members. Through the relationship CPFS has with Horner Townsend
and Kent, Inc., the credit union is able to provide the
local community with access to high quality educational
tools to include no-cost, retirement-planning seminars.
Cedar Point Federal Credit Union (CPFCU) offers its members
and potential members the tools necessary to determine short
and long term financial needs by offering free financial
educational seminars through an alliance with Maryland Agency
Financial Group. CPFCU conducts retirement seminars at least
twice a year for people who are 10-15 years away from retirement,
and to current retirees, who need help understanding how
to manage their incomes. Other types of seminars are conducted
monthly or by appointment.
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The Savings Bank
On May 6, 2004, The Savings Bank was presented with the
Department of the Treasury Certificate of Recognition for
its efforts in teaching financial education to high school
students through the 1st Educational Savings Branch.
The Savings Bank established the 1st Educational Savings
Branch in April 1981, the first of its kind in the country.
The 1st Educational Savings Branch is a bank branch of The
Savings Bank operated by high school students attending
Wakefield Memorial High School. Each year, five high school
seniors are trained to serve as branch staff. The branch
is opened one hour and 20 minutes a day to offer services
such as checking and savings accounts, deposits and withdrawals
for faculty and students. The branch assets are just under
a million dollars. The five seniors receive teller training
from a part-time bank employee. Additionally, student officers
take part in area competitions to include the stock market
game and essay contest on financially related topics.
The Savings Bank further supports financial literacy in
the public schools through grants from The Donald E. Garrant
Foundation, Inc. for projects supporting education in the
areas of saving, investing, borrowing, economics, and similar
financial topics.
Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA)
On June 18, 2007, the Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) received a John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education for its work, through the Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative, in supplying community organizations and homeownership counseling agencies with the tools needed to educate homebuyers and existing homeowners in Massachusetts.
Through the Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative, CHAPA provides technical assistance, professional training, curriculum standards, and best practices criteria to community organizations and homebuyer counseling agencies across Massachusetts. These organizations offer homebuyer education workshops and individual homebuyer counseling to prospective homebuyers and existing homeowners.
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International Institute of St. Louis
On May 10, 2004, the International Institute of St. Louis
received the Department of the Treasury Certificate of Recognition
for providing financial education to refugees and new immigrants
through the International Institute’s Personal Finance
Workshops.
The International Institute helps refugees and immigrants
to become independent by teaching them English, providing
financial education and job search tools, and offering adjustment
services to overcome language and cultural barriers. Participants
in the Personal Finance Workshops learn about banking, consumer
credit, budgeting, and consumer skills. These workshops
are held monthly and are given by staff and volunteers.
In addition, qualified individuals can participate in the
Individual Development Account (IDA) program, which provides
them with an opportunity to save toward purchase of a first
home, an automobile, a post-secondary education, or to open
a small business. The IDA program helps qualified participants
acquire such assets by matching their savings and by providing
general financial and asset-specific training and related
services. Services are offered without charge.
Students In Free Enterprise
On August 4, 2006, the international non-profit Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) headquartered in Springfield, MO received the Department of the Treasury’s John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education for its success in providing financial education to communities around the world. This financial education was delivered by teams of college students participating in the SIFE program.
SIFE is located on over 1,800 college campuses and in more than 40 countries. The program offers college students the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise. Guided by faculty advisors and supported by businesses, SIFE teams work together to learn important concepts through educational outreach projects some of which center on financial literacy. The students’ enthusiasm, dedication and hands-on approach to teaching money matters help make their lessons meaningful to their audiences.
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Van Buren Middle School
On March 10, 2004, the Department of the Treasury presented
the Van Buren Middle School in Albuquerque, New Mexico,
with a Certificate of Recognition for promoting financial
education among its students by teaching the Junior Achievement
(JA) program, Personal Economics® - Using Credit Wisely.
The Van Buren Middle School allows JA volunteers to visit
its classrooms to educate and inspire students to value
free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the
quality of their lives.
The JA Personal Economics® - Using Credit Wisely program
focuses on personal skills and interests, career options,
and personal and family financial management. The key learning
objectives are identifying the costs and benefits of using
credit and calculating the cost of a loan. The students
also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using credit
to make everyday purchases, and examine a credit card statement.
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Working In Support of Education (W!SE)
On March 6, 2007, W!SE, located in New York City, received the Department of the Treasury’s John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education for providing financial education to youth and adults alike throughout the New York City metropolitan area.
W!SE is a non-profit organization that provides educational support services and a family of innovative programs focused on financial education and literacy, business and social entrepreneurship and preparation for college and the workplace. Its programs include: the High School of Economics & Finance in lower Manhattan, the New York State Financial Literacy Coalition and it Financial Certification Program (which administers a financial literacy certification test for high school students), the MoneyPOWER Conference, the Quality of Life Program, the Global Communications Institute, and the Weill Institute.
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Ohio Credit Union League
On June 23, 2003, the Ohio Credit Union League received
the Department of the Treasury Certificate of Recognition
for teaching financial education to the Hispanic community
in Columbus, Ohio, through the Latino Financial Literacy
Program.
The Latino Financial Literacy Program is a four-part series
curriculum that covers budgeting, financial goals and priorities,
establishing and maintaining good credit, and financial
products and services. The program is sponsored by the Ohio
Credit Union League in partnership with the Ohio State University
Extension Office. The program was created to help Central
Ohio’s growing Spanish-speaking population learn more
about personal finance. Classes are taught in Spanish and
are free and open to the public.
The Ohio Credit Union League is a state trade association
representing more than 500 credit unions. Credit unions
are not-for-profit financial institutions owned and controlled
by their members. Ohio credit unions provide savings, loans,
and other consumer financial services to their members.
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Society for Financial Education and Professional Development
On August 18, 2003, the Society for Financial Education
and Professional Development received the Department of
the Treasury Certificate of Recognition for teaching financial
education to students attending Historically Black Colleges
and Universities through the program, Credit Card Management,
Credit Cards—Learn to Use them Wisely.
The Society for Financial Education and Professional Development,
established in 1998, is a non-profit organization that teaches
financial education in various states. The Society offers
two programs on credit card management and personal money
management, “Credit Card Management, Credit Cards—Learn
to Use them Wisely” and “Money Watch—Personal
Money Management Seminar for College and University Students.”
The program on credit is provided in a mandatory orientation
for students entering college, and the second program is
provided to college students nearing graduation. Students
evaluate the programs upon completion and seek follow-up
from the Society via letters and email.
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Last Updated:September 16, 2008
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