itizens and EVERFI today announced the introduction of a digital education program aimed at helping empower high school juniors and seniors to make wise financial decisions early when planning for post-secondary education. The new program leverages a strategic partnership between the companies to add a robust digital component to Citizens’ existing College Bound Citizens educational outreach efforts, which is focused on providing families with access to the information critical to making informed financial decisions about their future.
“These are unprecedented times and we are seeing growing anxiety among both students and families,” said Christine Roberts, Head of Student Lending for Citizens. “Through the College Bound Citizens program, we aim to provide them with the resources and education they need to understand the steps they can take to make their higher education dreams a reality.”
The interactive, online program, which can be delivered to students in either a classroom or virtual education environment, is designed to ensure that all students who are interested in pursuing higher education understand how to create a path forward in financing and realizing their educational aspirations.
The College Bound Citizens curriculum aligns with state, national, and Jump$tart Coalition financial literacy standards. Through a series of five modules, the program helps students understand the key principles associated with: return on investment in higher education, the net vs. true cost of college, identifying scholarship opportunities, the FAFSA form, the difference between financial aid and loans, and budgeting.
“There is no question that access to higher education is a game changer,” said Ray Martinez, co-founder and president, EVERFI. “Financing higher education can often be an overwhelming and complex process. This course will help students understand that there are a number of financial options available and starting the planning process early is key.”
The curriculum will initially be available to students in 11 states including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont via their high school programming.
According to Citizens’ recently published third annual Student Lending Survey, despite public health concerns, paying for college continues to be top of mind for high school students and parents, as 64 percent of high school students and 52 percent of parents of high school students say affordability had a high impact on the student’s post high school plans. Furthermore, 44 percent of current college students and 35 percent of parents of current college students said that concerns around affordability had a high impact on their Fall 2020 enrollment plans.
In support of its social impact mission, EVERFI convenes a Financing Higher Education Coalition dedicated to helping students and families understand their options when it comes to financing higher education. The Coalition provides recommendations for the development of digital curriculum, promotes research findings around financing higher education, and helps bring together industry and thought leaders to ensure there is equity in accessing higher education. Citizens’ Christine Roberts serves as the Co-Chair of the Financing Higher Education Coalition.
To learn more about the College Bound Citizens program, please visit citizens.everfi.com