Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer James A. Diossa, General Treasurer

Financial Empowerment

Message from General Treasurer James A. Diossa

Rhode Island’s students need and deserve quality financial capability education provided by well-resourced and supported teachers and educators.

Growing up in Central Falls, my peers and I never had the opportunity to build a solid foundation from a young age. Understanding goals such as saving for education or retirement, the importance of managing money, and how to make informed decisions about our financial future were simply not an option. 

As General Treasurer, I am laser-focused on making sure our students have access to financial learning, especially those in our urban core. Partnering with public organizations, private institutions, and the school districts, this program will provide an all-encompassing approach to financial competency. Alongside the members of the Financial Capability Consortium, our partners from the business community, the school districts and teachers, and my staff, we aim to launch the pilot program for middle school children within the Central Falls School District.

Ultimately, working together, and beginning in Central Falls, we will be able to ensure that Rhode Island’s youth not only learn financial literacy skills but also build the confidence to apply those skills to buy a home, start a business, borrow responsibly, invest, and build wealth. Please see the enclosed proposal for your review.

Thank you,

James A. Diossa
Rhode Island General Treasurer

 

 

Financial Empowerment Roundtable

The Office of the General Treasurer hosts periodic Financial Empowerment Roundtable meetings that bring together important stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. These meetings provide networking and idea sharing opportunities with the goal of increasing financial capability and literacy across Rhode Island.

Young Leader Award

Treasurer Diossa's Young Leader Award recognizes students who have demonstrated an interest in entrepreneurship and developing the skills necessary to achieve their goals. Supporting a student’s entrepreneurial spirit is essential to creating economic opportunity in our state. 

Financial Literacy Educator of the Year Award

Treasurer Diossa understands that educators play a vital role in setting young people on the path to financial success. Treasurer Diossa's Financial Literacy Educator of the Year Award recognizes teachers across the State of Rhode Island who provide holistic support so their students can successfully navigate the financial system. The award, typically hosted in June, is open to teachers who meet the following criteria:

  • Teach financial literacy and has taught it for at least two years   
  • Coach a financial literacy-related club or extracurricular activity, and     
  • Have a student letter of support.

The Office of the General Treasurer is always working with local partners to increase and improve opportunities to bring financial empowerment to all Rhode Islanders. If you or your organization are interested in partnering, please contact our office.