National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week Sept. 26-30

Red River Federal Credit Union (RRFCU) and Wells Fargo are partnering with the Texarkana ISD Adult Education & Literacy Program in celebration of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, September 26-30, 2016. 

To kick-off the event, the TISD Adult Education & Literacy Program will hold an Open House on Tuesday, September 27 from 10AM until Noon at the TISD Adult Education Center on the Texarkana College campus (corner of Tucker Street & Johnson Avenue).  Refreshments will be served and the public is welcomed to attend.

With a focus on Financial Literacy, other events being held that day are:

*Red River Federal Credit Union Student Reality Fair from 10:00 a.m. – Noon at the TISD Adult Education Center on the TC campus. Participants of the Reality Fair will have the opportunity to gain helpful knowledge and skills that will empower them to take greater control of their personal finances.

According to Patricia Cunningham, Director of Marketing for RRFCU, “Financial reality fairs are hands-on events that guide participants through the personal financial management process, including budgeting, saving and investing in a simulated          real-world environment.”

Booths will be set up to represent different expenses.  Participants will move through the space and spend their allotted monthly income.  Each participant is given a budget sheet which lists an occupation and a salary.  Federal income tax, social security, Medicare and state taxes are subtracted, and the remainder is what the participant has to budget for the month.  “It really is for anyone who needs to understand at a real, hands-on level, how to manage money,” continued Cunningham.

*Wells Fargo Financial Literacy Seminar from 6:00 – 7:30PM at the TISD Adult Education Center on the TC campus.

“Making sound financial decisions rest solely on the shoulders of consumers,” shared Yolanda Thomas, Branch Manager for Wells Fargo.  “It is imperative and more important than ever for consumers to have the information they need to make thoughtful and informed decisions about their finances. Financial literacy can easily equate to financial freedom.”

Thomas believes that it is not possible to successfully navigate today’s world without being financially literate.  “Where you have well-informed consumers, you will find vigorous competition and efficient markets,” she states.  “Financial literacy is key because it allows for full participation in society and it is also essential for business, the economy, the country and, in this age of globalization, the world.”

“Our Reality Fair and Financial Literacy Seminar are designed to help students understand how important it is to meet their goals,” stated Kimberly Bursey-Reece, Career Navigator for TISD Adult Education program.  “Earning a GED can lead to an increase in wages and employability.  It is important students understand personal goal setting and how to evaluate needs versus wants,” she continued.

The TISD Adult Education & Literacy Program provides adult students with the education instruction and assistance to guide them in their journey to growth in mindset and skills.  Students are provided with the opportunity to improve their skills in math, science, social studies, and language arts.  All classes are free.  Classes offered are:  GED Preparation, Basic Skill Remediation, TSI ABE Diagnostic Level 1-4, ASVAB Review, Job Training and Financial Literacy.  Also offered is Integrated Education Training whereby students can earn their GED and Workforce Certificates at the same time.  Featured pathways are Office Careers and Welding.