Trustees of the George H. Riedel Foundation have awarded a $9,000 grant for the Junior Achievement program to be presented in Hannibal schools for the upcoming school year. About 1,200 students will benefit, with JA being offered at the grade school level at Oakwood Elementary and Mark Twain Elementary and St. John’s Lutheran School. It will also be offered to 8th graders at Hannibal Middle School and to the freshman class at Hannibal High School.
For middle and high school students, the JA program focuses on both money and work readiness. JA attempts to match a student’s skills and interests with possible career paths available. For the younger grades, JA teaches the financial basics like checking and savings, credit and debit cards, and distinguishing needs versus wants.
“Our programs at the elementary school level seek to build a better base of financial literacy for the youth of Hannibal,” said JA District Manager Taylor Rakers. “Money impacts every single person, no matter how young or old. Having a better understanding of money leads people to make better financial decisions.”
Last year, the Riedel Foundation brought Junior Achievement to Hannibal schools, and the program was able to reach 1,000 students.
The Riedel Foundation is named for its benefactor, George H. Riedel, who was the president of F & M Bank for many years.
“George Riedel was first and foremost a businessman,” said Riedel Foundation Lead Trustee Michael Bukstein. “I think it’s fitting that his legacy is helping Hannibal children learn more about finances. It’s knowledge they’ll need their whole lives.”
The Junior Achievement program is taught largely by volunteers within the community.