WASHINGTON, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Today the Native American Lending Alliance and EverFi announced the launch of a new financial literacy program that combines the latest in new media technologies, gaming levels, 3D environments and adaptive pathing in an effort to provide the best comprehensive financial education to schools in Indian Country. The decision to fund this three year initiative came with a unanimous vote by the NALA board at their most recent meeting in Washington, DC.
“Today might mark the end of Financial Literacy Month, but NALA believes that financial education should be a life-long activity. That is why we are announcing the launch of this financial education campaign,” said Senator Jonathan Windy Boy, an advisor to the Native American Lending Alliance. “During these tough economic times people are, more than ever, in need of being financially knowledgeable and this program will help Native American communities get closer to reaching that level of financial savvy. Given that many reservations have 70-80% unemployment, it is essential that programs like this are provided to those most in need.”
“This partnership is a great example of how the public and private sectors can work together to improve the educational opportunities for communities most in need. We are excited about bringing an innovative solution that will create more informed and better prepared financial citizens,” said EverFi Executive Vice President Ray Martinez.
The financial literacy program aims to teach, assess and certify participating students in hundreds of different financial topics. With this initiative, NALA and EverFi aim to provide comprehensive financial education while establishing a “High Standard” that will have lasting social benefits in the Native American Community. The program will launch in three schools located in Montana, Louisiana, and North Dakota and expand into other schools and states in the coming months.
NALA will collaborate with EverFi on a program that will educate and certify participating tribal community members on financial literacy. The EverFi Financial Literacy Platform will also leverage and expand the impact of the initiative with the use of other resources including national foundations and state grants. EverFi and NALA continue to seek other sponsors to take part in the program to create more informed financial citizens.
About The Native American Lending Alliance (NALA)
The Native American Lending
Alliance (NALA) formed in 2011 to protect Native American sovereign rights and enable responsible
financial alternatives designed to meet the consumer needs with transparency, value and convenience.
NALA protects consumers’ rights with best practices that ensure these guiding principles are
respected. Offering on-line financial services presents a tremendous opportunity for Native
Americans to improve the welfare of their tribes. Through NALA unity is brought to a movement
guaranteed to generate opportunities, jobs, and development on tribal lands as well as provide
valuable and needed financial services.
About EverFi, Inc.
EverFi, Inc. is the leading education technology company to
teach, assess, and certify students in critical skills. EverFi’s education learning platforms
include Financial Literacy, Student Loan Management, Digital Literacy, Cyberbullying, Alcohol Abuse
and Sexual Assault Awareness. EverFi has nine published studies documenting the efficacy of several
of our education technology platforms. The company teams with major corporations and foundations to
provide the programs at no cost to K-12 schools. Learn more at www.everfi.com.
For more information or to interview a member of NALA, please contact Dan Rene of Levick Strategic Communications at 202-973-1325 or [email protected].