Financial literacy learning at East

More than 300 students participated Thursday in the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board’s third annual Financial Literacy Conference.

Students enrolled in all financial courses in the Smithtown High School of Business attended the conference, held at the High School East library. Conference.

Three years ago, the Smithtown IAB set out to create this conference to bring together the IAB’s banking partners to provide students with a conference that enabled students to learn from industry experts.

Sponsored by Valley Bank and Suffolk Credit Union, students participated in a full day of workshops and seminars on financial literacy. Our Smithtown IAB financial members participating included: Jovia Financial Credit Union, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Island Federal Credit Union, Flushing Bank, Synergy Wealth Strategies, M&T Bank, Peoples Alliance and Federal Credit Union.

"We are very appreciative of the business mentors as well as building and central administration and the school board for supporting our programs," said Director of Career & Technical Education, Christine LoFrese. "The information presented enhanced what is taught in our School of Business classrooms and will better prepare the students for a healthy financial future."

IAB's Executive Director Mr. Philip Como, stated that, "financial literacy programs have been the core of so many of our Smithtown HS business courses over the past 30+ years and the increased interest from our students, along with the increased collaboration from our Smithtown IAB Banking Partners, has allowed us to create an event that focused on most all major areas personal financial management."

Como also expressed the need for increased financial literacy programs in high schools based on the proposed NYSED "Portrait of a Graduate" graduation requirements that will require some form of financial literacy instruction.

The School of Business is a proud member of the SCSD CTE Department.