In 1999, a group of organizations and individuals interested in improving the financial knowledge of Pennsylvania youth came together at the request of the Pennsylvania Department of Education to discuss the creation of a program that mirrors the mission and goals of the national Jump$tart Coalition. The group quickly agreed that having a state coalition would be beneficial to improving the quality of financial education in Pennsylvania schools
Founding members of the Pennsylvania Jump$tart Coalition included representatives from the following organizations:
- Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Northwestern Pennsylvania
- Junior Achievement of Central Pennsylvania
- Members First Credit Union
- Penn State Cooperative Extension
- Pennsylvania Bankers Association
- Pennsylvania Department of Education
- Pennsylvania Department of Banking*
- Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
- Pennsylvania Partnership for Economic Education*
- Pennsylvania Securities Commission*
Over the years, the coalition has undergone a number of transitions of leadership and membership, but it has remained committed to its core mission. Below are some of the highlights of the coalition’s events and programs over the years.
Money Counts
With the support of a grant from the Investor Protection Trust, the coalition conducted a day-long professional development program in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh for over 300 educators. The program provided information on financial education curriculum, how to spot and avoid investment scams, and more.
Financial Education Roundtables
In partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Office of Financial Education*, the coalition conducted a series of roundtable sessions for educators. Described as professional development meets speed dating, these quick sessions offered educators the opportunity to learn about a variety of programs and services available from coalition partners. Representatives from various organizations within the coalition each hosted a table, and educators would spend five to ten minutes learning about the organization and its financial education-related offerings. When time was called, educators would make their way to another table. Multiple rounds were held allowing participants to gather valuable information in a short amount of time.
* A number of the organizations involved in the coalition have changed names or no longer operate. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and the Pennsylvania Securities Commission merged. The Pennsylvania Partnership for Economic Education became EconomicsPennsylvania but ceased operation several years ago. The Pennsylvania Office of Financial Education was established through an executive order by Governor Ed Rendell and later discontinued under Governor Tom Corbett.