CSI Global Education Inc. (CSI) has partnered with Junior Achievement of Central Ontario to bring financial literacy to grade seven students across the Greater Toronto Area, the financial services educator said Tuesday.

Junior Achievement’s “Dollars with Sense” financial literacy program is being delivered by 46 Fellows of CSI in collaboration with the teachers to over 1,000 students in 46 schools across Ontario. Using the interactive games, workbooks and tools from the program, each of these financial professionals bring their real world experience, knowledge and investment know-how to classrooms to help educate students about future career possibilities, money management, investment choices and the importance of setting goals and planning.

“Becoming financially literate and understanding the basics of money management are skills that will help a student throughout life,” says Christina Caney, director of client and designation development for CSI.

“As part of our commitment to play a role in the communities where we work, CSI wanted to find a way to help young people understand business and economics; Junior Achievement’s ‘Dollars with Sense’ program was a natural fit. It allows us to draw upon the vast experience of our member Fellows of CSI to give back to the community,” Caney adds.

The one-day sessions cover everything from the origins of trade to the ins and outs of investing. They is designed to help elementary students grasp economic and business concepts as well as develop their personal finance knowledge. A key component of the program is the practical experience the volunteer instructors bring to the classroom.

“The financial advisors that have been connected with Junior Achievement of Central Ontario through CSI have been a tremendous asset. Their combination of passion, financial skills and desire to support their local community has made a significant positive difference for students in the GTA,” says Jeff Good, president & CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Ontario.

The CSI volunteers all hold the Fellow of CSI (FSCI) designation, recognized as the highest honour in the financial services industry. It is awarded to industry professionals who bring an exceptional combination of advanced education, ethical training and experience to their business.

CSI and Junior Achievement are currently piloting the program in Central Ontario and hope to expand it nationally in the fall of 2009.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2009/02/c9999.html