Living and Working on Long Island

June 10, 2020: Mt. Sinai, New York: How old were you when you first learned about budgets and how to balance your income and your expenses? Most of us learned this when we were already out of school and thrown into life’s daily responsibilities. This is already too late!

How fortunate were Island Trees students in both social studies and economics classes in being offered The Game of Life lesson! The objective of this lesson was to educate students about the process of budgeting by hearing from Long Island business representatives through pre-recorded lessons. These interviews consisted of information and important points from each of their industries. Thank you to the following individuals for their time, participation, knowledge and expertise.

Millie Nieves M & T Bank Banking, savings and needs vs. wants

Lisa Albinowski Coldwell Banker Housing, including renting, sharing and buying

Christina Lentini State Farm Renter’s and automobile insurance

Margreit McInnis Northwestern Mutual Retirement savings and general financial planning

Joseph Fabio ShopRite Food costs and how to save

Craig Skoler 5-Star Auto Sales Automobiles, buying, leasing (willing to offer a discount to all who view the lesson)

Marty Greenstein Event Pros Group Party planning expenses

These business representatives understand the importance of imparting “real world” information as part of students’ educational experience. They know that they are truly impacting students and making a difference in their lives.

These programs and others are being supported through the Perkins Grant by Nassau BOCES, and are available to consortium school districts only through this school year. Even during these unprecedented times, Equity First Foundation is dedicated to enriching students’ educational programs through these important virtual financial literacy lessons. Thank you to Island Trees administration and educators for their dedication to quality education and innovative student learning. As per Elizabeth Roemer, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, “Our partnership with Equity First Foundation enabled our high school staff and students to address a district goal of fostering civic, college, career, and life readiness skills in our students. These wonderful financial literacy programs are student-centered and engaging, inviting our students to become aware of the power of their own choice making. As we build authentic experiences for students that mirror the real world, we build a knowledge base and an awareness of how our students can apply this invaluable information to their futures. “

We will continue to reach out to provide online and virtual workshops that span the educational audience from K-post-secondary, the corporate world (from small to large), and community service organizations (other non-profits). Our work is crucial to the short and long-term goals of individuals from all walks of life and in all situations. This includes helping children learn about money through senior citizens learning about estate planning…and everyone in between. We are always seeking industry professionals who would like to get involved. Join us in this crucial cause!

If you would like more information about financial literacy and education or to participate in programs/events, please contact Rhonda Klch at 631-714-4822x102, rhonda@equityfirstfoundation.org or Lisa Strahs-Lorenc at 631-714-4822x110 --lisa@equityfirstfoundation.org.