Redwood City Library Foundation Receives Boost to Aid Financial Literacy for Teens

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of State Farm:

The Redwood City Library Foundation will receive a $48,875 service-learning grant for a financial literacy service-learning project from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board.

The Redwood City Library Foundation is one of 65 community organizations to receive a service-learning, youth-led grant across the United States and Canada.

“This program will benefit the community,” said State Farm Youth Advisory Board Member Ritankar Das. “Service-learning is an excellent way to complement and further classroom education, and our board really liked this project’s core goals.”

The Redwood City Youth Literacy Council, a volunteer group of teenagers working with the Redwood City Library Foundation Board, has designed a program named “Money Smarts for Teens” which offers classes about money basics for 120 teens each month. The course has been designed around school curriculum and provides information not offered in schools regarding successful money management.

“We’re very proud of our teens from the Youth Literacy Council who are working with area financial experts to design, coordinate, and instruct the class,” said Georgi LaBerge, Executive Director of the Redwood City Library Foundation, “This gives them invaluable service-learning knowledge that will contribute to their school and career success.”

“State Farm supports service-learning because it integrates service to the community into classroom curriculum using a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering civic responsibility,” said State Farm Agency Field Leader Ric Baldiviez. “The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a prime example of State Farm’s commitment to education, our community and our youth.”

The State Farm Youth Advisory Board has granted over $32 million in grant money since its inception in 2006, empowering youth to implement service-learning in 520 communities.

Additionally, applications are available for interested youth aged 17-20 to become Youth Advisory Board members. More information can be found at www.sfyab.com/apply/the-board.

A presentation by the State Farm Youth Advisory Board to recognize the Youth Literacy Council will be made at the Redwood City Council Meeting on January 12, 2015.

(Image via Shutterstock)