Treasurer Diossa Celebrates Financial Literacy Month By Honoring Local Educators and Students
Published on Thursday, April 24, 2025
Providence, RI – Today, Rhode Island General Treasurer James A. Diossa highlighted the importance of empowering youth with the tools to build strong financial futures. At a special event with Governor Dan Mckee and House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Treasurer Diossa recognized outstanding financial literacy advocates, celebrated innovative programs, and shared powerful stories from students currently involved in the Treasurer’s Financial Capability Consortium Pilot Program.
During the event, Rosy Ok and Robert D’Arezzo were honored for their leadership and impact in financial education to youth. Ok, the Senior Financial Educator at the FLY Initiative, received the Financial Literacy Advocate Award. D’Arezzo, a business teacher at Tolman High School, received the Financial Literacy Educator Award. Wilver Cante and Dante Cipriano, 8th grade students at Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls, also spoke about their experiences in the new program.
“Financial literacy is essential for children,” said Treasurer Diossa. “This month reminds us how critical it is to invest in our students, like Wilver and Dante, and to thank those who dedicate themselves to teaching these life-changing skills, such as Rosey and Robert.”
“Good habits start early, and Financial Literacy Month promotes responsible decision-making and independence in our students and young people,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Empowering the next generation with these resources and tools will allow them to build prosperous futures for themselves, their families, and Rhode Island.”
“I am proud that the General Assembly passed a new law in 2021 that requires statewide standards in consumer education in public high schools. Financial literacy gives students essential life skills, helping them to make smart financial decisions and to manage their money throughout their lives,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “I commend all the students participating, as well as the educators who are empowering their pupils with important skills for greater success in life.”
Michael Matone of Navigant Credit Union also provided remarks, underscoring the credit union’s support of the Treasurer’s Financial Capability Consortium Pilot Program. The Pilot Program, which was launched this year in Central Falls, is a new initiative that provides 50 eighth-grade students and their families with hands-on financial education and workforce exposure. Each participating student will receive a $50 savings account through Navigant Credit Union. The program includes in-class financial literacy instruction provided by the FLY Initiative. Students will also gain access to investing simulation tools from Fidelity Investments. As part of the hands-on learning experience, they will visit local Navigant branches and Fidelity’s Smithfield campus. In addition, students will benefit from career coaching and networking workshops led by CFA Society Providence and Millennial RI.
For more information about the Financial Capability Consortium Pilot Program Pilot Program in Central Falls, visit https://treasury.ri.gov/programs/rhode-island-financial-capability-consortium.
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