Analytics software provider FICO has announced an expansion of its Score A Better Future (SABF) financial education program through its ‘Fundamentals’ initiative.
At its core, Fundamentals is a credit education program for middle-to-high-school students designed to improve their financial literacy through a series of workshops.
This summer’s Fundamentals program will additionally combine teen education with the love of football. FICO has linked up with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Premier League side Chelsea FC to organise various learning opportunities across the five American cities part of the UK club’s pre-season tour. Students attending the workshops will also be given the chance to watch Chelsea play live.
FICO has also underlined the growing importance of financial education by citing a 2022 study from Junior Achievement showing that more than half of US teens feel uncertain about their personal finance management going into adulthood.
“With the need evident for schools to adopt a financial literacy curriculum, 22 states in the U.S. are now requiring financial literacy courses for high schoolers before graduation,” FICO further noted.
As an extension of SABF, the Fundamentals curriculum is designed to provide children and young adults with the tools necessary to empower their financial confidence by combining the expertise of legislators, consumer advocates, and non-profit organisations.
Nikhil Behl, Chief Marketing Officer at FICO, commented: “Financial literacy is vital to help prepare teenagers to navigate a complex financial landscape and become financially savvy adults. FICO has always been committed to driving financial literacy; it’s the bedrock of financial empowerment, which leads to more prosperous communities.
“We were encouraged by the interest in our Score A Better Future program from attendees and hope Fundamentals educate students to build a strong financial foundation for their bright futures ahead.”
The Fundamentals curriculum and all available supporting materials can be accessed by educators from all accredited middle and high schools on FICO’s website.
