Capital Group teaches about finances

This News By You article was submitted by Chris Elliott, senior recruiting manager of Capital Group Cos.

Given the state of today's economy, it is never too early to learn about finances and what it takes to be successful - even at the ripe age of 5.

Earlier this month, more than 500 students in the Paradise Valley Unified School District's Arrowhead Elementary School were given a financial overview of how the world of money works by a team of financial services associates using Junior Achievement curriculum. Students in kindergarten through sixth grade learned about topics ranging from how a city is zoned to conducting banking transactions and calculating foreign exchange rates.

"Junior Achievement's program aims to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. From a financial services perspective we're proud to support this mission, especially given today's rapidly changing economic climate," said Marty Metzger, training senior manager at Capital Group Co. Metzger and 50 colleagues went through a Junior Achievement training session and took over the classrooms for an entire day, giving age-appropriate lessons about the way today's business world works.

"Many of these children are eager to understand the changes around them - what banks do, how real estate works and even why their families might be worried about money - so programs like Junior Achievement are more important than ever," Metzger said.

In one third-grade classroom, students constructed a 3-D cardboard city to learn about urban planning and zoning regulations. The students also learned about elected officials and created their own newspaper for the city.

A sixth-grade classroom was taught a lesson about different forms of currency from around the world and how students could determine how much their U.S. dollar would be worth in other currencies.

"When a local business adopts an entire school, it has a deep and immediate impact on the students' lives," said Joyce Richards, president of Junior Achievement of Arizona. "Financial literacy is becoming increasingly vital for kids growing up in the world today, and we rely on the generosity of local companies like Capital Group Companies to provide the financial resources and the volunteers."

Capital Group has had a three-year partnership with the school, which is just a few miles from the company's Scottsdale location. Capital Group associates adopt financially struggling families for the holidays, provide school supplies at the start of each year, provide special treats for Teacher Appreciation Days and student testing days, and are available as an ongoing resource for the school when needs arise.

Metzger volunteered in a kindergarten classroom and taught lessons about the importance of earning and saving money to buy things students want and need.

"These kids are our leaders of tomorrow," Metzger said. "Whether you are 5 or 45, there is always something to be learned about today's world and how each of us can help to make it a little better. Hopefully some of what we're doing and sharing with these kids will help us in the future. One thing is certain; the kids touched the hearts of each of our associates."