Champion Companies Bring Financial Literacy 101
to Arizona High Schools

PHOENIX, AZ August, 16, 2018—In a nation where student loan default is an epidemic and over 766,000 Americans filed bankruptcy in 20171, evidence shows we are a nation with a massive financial literacy issue and in need of financial literacy education. The state of Arizona has recently taken action. The Arizona legislature and Governor Ducey support increased financial literacy education. This new law will give Arizona students the opportunity to earn the State Seal of Personal Finance Proficiency on their high school diplomas. Champion Companies have taken a proactive role in financial literacy education by teaching classes in Arizona high schools to educate kids on financial basics.

Champion founder, Mary Lyn Hammer, has mentored students through her company, Champion College Services, for over three decades. Ms. Hammer’s personal goal was to provide young adults with tools to help them make good decisions before entering college. “Most of these students have no idea what they are committing to when they sign up for a student loan or any other form of credit. We want to provide students with basic knowledge to help them become better informed as they make important financial decisions,” said Ms. Hammer.

Champion has worked diligently to bring Champion’s new Financial Literacy 101 program into Phoenix area high schools. Schools have been very receptive to the topic and we have already taught at Arcadia High School, Crestview Preparatory High School, Maya High School, Career Success North, Summit High School and RCB College Preparatory Academy. Champion is also offering additional online resources for students at ChampionEmpowerment.com. The resources include online life skills courses, financial literacy tips, videos, access to student loan repayment mentoring, plus grants, scholarships, and resources database. Champion believes that financial literacy education will make a difference for young adults and will not only impact their lives but will serve the country by raising a nation of financially literate adults.

All students who attended the Financial Literacy 101 class were entered into a drawing for a $500 scholarship from the Champion Companies, which was awarded to Mariana Pasillas attending Maya High School in Phoenix.

In addition to reaching individual high schools, Champion for Success has partnered with Junior Achievement of Arizona. Mary Lyn Hammer said, “I am thrilled to collaborate and join efforts with Junior Achievement to add our Financial Literacy 101 to their student programs. Together we can help thousands of Arizona students each year become better educated on financial wellbeing.”

For more information on the Champion Companies financial literacy programs or to schedule a class at your school or organization, contact Champion.

1 https://www.abi.org/newsroom/bankruptcy-statistics https://www2.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/defaultmanagement/cdr.html