I joined DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation 5 years ago as the foundation began the development of a first-class personal finance curriculum for students. As an all-volunteer based organization, the foundation recruited highly skilled educators along with young men and women who believed in their mission. Today the foundation has established one of the most comprehensive and exciting high school personal finance programs in the country along with Middles school and community programs as well. This is an exciting organization that has reached over 10,000 students and growing exponentially nationwide!
I have had the privilege for the past two months to work with an extraordinary team of talented individuals who regularly volunteer their time in order to benefit the mission of the DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation. During my time as a volunteer, I gained tremendous insight into the inner workings of a successful nonprofit and witnessed first-hand the real world relevance of this organization in promoting their mission of financial literacy education. I cannot help but wonder how much better off I would be financially at this stage in my life had I been granted the opportunity to engage with this curriculum when I was a high school student. I am very grateful for my experience with DMFLF thus far, and remain continually impressed with the quality of this organization as a leading cause for financial literacy education.
The recent 2018 Survey of the States by the CEE, demonstrates there has been little change in personal finance education over the last several years. The issue has been that support personal finance in our schools has come without a dedication to providing a comprehensive approach to teaching personal finance, a lack of accountability in standards, a corporate commitment to funding based on marketing not the needs of students, and a trend to achieve the minimum. Based in the facts above, many schools are beginning to turn away from sponsored, cobranded 8-12 hour volunteer based programs that do not meet the students needs.
DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation has worked to develop the FitKit and FitKit for Girls H.S. Youth Financial Literacy Programs, 60-hour focused, comprehensive, standards-based curriculum designed for educators and students from all socio-economic backgrounds, and meets or exceeds the financial literacy requirements for high school graduation in 37 states.
They are also exploring FitKit Express Programs for impoverished communities. The Express programs are envisioned to be compelling co-branded, lay person led conversations with the community that correlate to the H.S. program, teach basic skills and encourage greater interest in learning more about personal finance and managing resources.
https://youtu.be/ivbQJdm6sX4
DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation is beginning to reach today’s generation in a way that they will appreciate for the rest of their lives, planning for engagement in underserved communities and following some impressive trends from those utilizing our FitKit.
1) An increase in average test scores from pre-to post assessment of 40%
2) FitKit curriculum is gender neutral, with young women performing as well as young men.
3) Those coming into the course needing to learn the most, are learning the most throughout the course
4) Student positive attitudes related to learning about personal finance have risen from 19% at the onset of the FitKit to 91% by course completion.
This is incredible success coming from an all volunteer based organization!
I am the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation. The vision and the mission of this organization is one that allows young students to understand and prepare for a lifetime of financial accountability.
The new programs being developed for young girls and women- under the FitKit for Girls and FitKit for Women's curriculum will create gender equality at the financial level of their lives.
Outstanding organization to work with and to help move towards their vision of a Financially Fit America.
Kathie De Chirico
As someone who has worked with DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation for eleven months, I am amazed with how far the foundation has come since the beginning of this year. The passion and excitement in the office environment encourages the interns and volunteers to believe in our vision every day and every moment. Our leaders not only help us gain hands-on experience and develop relevant professional skills, but also positively challenge us to broaden our mindsets. However, what makes DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation so special is our mission to prepare students for a lifetime of financial responsibility. I honestly wish I had that privilege when I was in high school.
Young men and women recognize the need for quality financial literacy education in our schools and communities. They volunteer their time and skills to help DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation work for A Financially "FIT" America!
DoughMain's FitKit HS Youth Financial Literacy Program is an innovative and valuable approach to personal finance education!
As a volunteer since August 31st, I can definitely see DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation as a nonprofit foundation with a goal for doing good things. I've felt like a part of a family of volunteers and board members and I couldn't be happier to say that I feel at home here! Financial Literacy is critical for today's youth to know, and here at DoughMain we want to make sure this happens.
I've been volunteering at DoughMain for just over a month and i'm deeply impressed with how the office environment combines productivity with a healthy atmosphere. Volunteers at DoughMain work hard and smart and moral at the office is always high. Combined with the non-profits strong FitKit program, I can only see DoughMain succeeding at creating a financially literate America even more then it already has.
I have been a volunteer for 6 months now at DMFLF and have had a great experience. The environment of this office is comfortable and friendly. We all work hard to achieve our mission of preparing students for a lifetime of financial responsibility.
I work in the Development Department as the Business and Grant Development Associate. I have been apart of so many projects, for example, the creation of the FitKit for Girls program and a member of the Women's Committee. It has been eye opening watching a project like this develop over a short period of time. I highly suggest volunteering at DMFLF for work experience and a great work environment.