In a survey conducted of El Sol’s clients, 79% of respondents stated that they had lived in the United States for 4-10+ years, but only 36% currently had bank accounts. Additionally, 82% of respondents self-identified as having a low or intermediate understanding of financial customs in the US. To combat this pervasive issue, El Sol has developed a curriculum specifically tailored to the unique financial needs of our clients. We strive to give students the tools they need to take control of their own finances. Class topics include the basics of money management: how to open a bank account, how to create a budget, debit cards, credit cards, etc.
With the continued support of the Florida Literacy Coalition and Wells Fargo, El Sol is able to offer Financial Education during our evening ESL Classes. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free Childcare is provided during class time.
The ESL program serves a dual purpose. Not only do the students learn English, but our ESL curriculum also focuses on navigating the financial system in the United States, and assists in learning vocabulary that is applicable for work and everyday life. We want to offer information that will increase confidence and understanding as the pay their bills and save money in a local bank.
By integrating vocabulary about money management, banking, credit, debt, and bank loans into the curriculum we hope ESL learners will become more confident and familiar with financial concepts. Each semester we offer a mock-bank activity to give them hands-on experience within the American banking system. The objective of our financial education is to inform the population we serve with important concepts so that they can make informed decisions about their financial future.
Our goal for the Program is to make financial security a reality for the community we serve. Equipped with the knowledge to make sound financial decisions, our hope is that students will be better able to form and achieve long-term financial goals.
Article: Clases gratuitas de finanza personal en Júpiter
