Elizabeth, NJ—Following the success of last year’s inaugural program, students at the Jewish Educational Center of Elizabeth’s Yeshiva Elementary and Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy (RTMA) divisions were treated to another round of financial literacy training by the renowned multinational financial organization PricewaterhouseCoopers. The program, launched last year as part of PwC’s “Earn Your Future”‘ $160 million commitment over five years to provide financial literacy education in schools across the country, was introduced to JEC through PwC partner and JEC board member and parent Brian Ness.

“As someone from PwC and a parent in the school, there was such momentum from last year’s successful program that I wanted to bring my team back to JEC this year,” he said. “It is rewarding to know that we are the only yeshiva day school in the NY Metropolitan area that has a program like this.”

Building on last year’s modules, 25 PwC professionals, ranging from first year associates to senior managers, covered topics that included money management, budgeting, credit, trustworthiness as it pertains to lending money, and investing.

“Statistics have demonstrated the severe limitations of children’s and even adults’ financial literacy,” he said. “If we start young enough, the kids will use these concepts as they grow to help themselves and their families.”

Students in grades 3-11 participated in age-appropriate modules that encouraged dialogue with the professionals and each other in small working groups.

Mr. Ness also shared excitement over a video contest that he conducted leading up to the visit last week. Students were asked to submit one minute videos depicting how they save money and plan their finances. There were over 30 submissions and all participating students received an array of exciting prizes.

JEC administrators were especially impressed with the sophistication of the program.

“The level of interaction was appropriate for each age group,” said Rabbi Eliyahu Teitz, Associate Dean of the Jewish Educational Center. “We look forward to a continued partnership with Brian and PwC for many years to come.”

Perhaps most refreshing was the presence of a JEC alumnus as part of the PwC team.

Mr. Ness pointed out, “Sammy Rosenzweig is here. It’s a nice opportunity for our alumni, who have grown into the business world, to get a chance to return as role model and give back to the school in such a dynamic manner.”

For more information, please contact Adina Abramov at 908-355-4850, [email protected].