Falmouth MA Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS) - Become a Mentor

Falmouth VIPS celebrates Financial Literacy Month!

Falmouth VIPS continues its tradition of bringing financial education into the Falmouth Public Schools in relevant and engaging ways. In 2021, we were excited to expand our offerings to include workshops for staff members and community members.

In case you missed our Money Talk$ live virtual workshops for high school students, staff, and community members, here are the recorded sessions:
A link to the slides is included in the description.

Budgeting 101 with Charlotte Green, Cape Cod Cooperative Bank (and FHS Class of 2006). Need to figure out a way to save more and spend less? By knowing where your money goes and what you can afford, you can build better saving and spending habits for a financially fit life. Click for slides.

Credit Scores and Credit Reports with Mike Burton, owner, Slade Mortgage Company. Your 3-digit credit score rules your financial life! It can save you--or cost you--thousands of dollars over time. Learn how to build & manage credit responsibly. Click for slides.

Taxes and Teens with Nicole Walker, Income Research + Management (and FHS Class of 2004). 1040, W-2, W-4....What are those for? With summer jobs just around the corner, find out the Who, What & Why of paying taxes. Click for slides.

Workshop for District Faculty and Staff:
Saving for Retirement: An Overview, presented by Susan Roman, owner of Roman Retirement Planning, LLC (a Massachusetts Registered Investment Advisor Firm) and a Certified Financial PlannerTM professional who helps clients prepare for a financially secure retirement. Susan is also serves as vice-president for the Falmouth VIPS Board of Directors. Click here for handouts.

Workshop for Community Members:
ABCs (and D) of Personal Finance, presented by Beth Thompson, Vice President and wealth manager, Cape Cod Five Wealth Management Services. Beth also serves as treasurer for the Falmouth VIPS Board of Directors. Click here for handouts.

Test your financial IQ in our 10-question quiz!

take the quiz!

This quiz is meant to test your knowledge, but it's also an opportunity to pick up some helpful tips and clarify some concepts that are commonly misunderstood.

Once you've taken the quiz, click here for answers and explanations!

Financial Literacy Programming, K-12

Falmouth VIPS continues to expand volunteer-based programs and opportunities for students in the area of financial literacy, with the goal of creating age-appropriate, multi-layered programs and experiences for students starting at the early elementary level and continuing through their middle and high school years. If you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities listed, please contact the Financial Literacy Program Leader, Beth Underhill at finlit@falmouth.k12.ma.us

School Savings Program (grades K-6)
Good savings habits start early! Falmouth VIPS has partnered with Martha Vineyards Savings Bank to offer the School Savings Program which provides students with the opportunity of making weekly deposits at their school with as little as $0.25. Developing a savings habit is further encouraged through the program’s Super Saver (level of account balance)
and Steady Saver (frequency of deposits) awards.

Volunteer Opportunity: Once a week for 1 to 2 hours during the weekly Bank Day scheduled at each of the four elementary schools, Morse Pond, and soon Lawrence School.

Junior Achievement (grades 3 & 4)
Over the last several years, Falmouth VIPS has partnered with Junior Achievement, an organization focused on teaching concepts and principles related to financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship. Through the tremendous support of community volunteers, all 3rd & 4th grade students participate in the program which sets a solid foundation for financial literacy programs and initiatives at later grades in the Falmouth public schools.

Volunteer Opportunity: Present five 45-minute JA lessons in a classroom once a week for five weeks. JA and VIPS provide the materials and training. Volunteers work with classroom teacher on mutually convenient days and times.

Earn, Save, Grow Program (grades 5-12)
Earn Save Grow is a customized financial literacy program developed by Falmouth VIPS for students in grades 5-12. Volunteers from the Falmouth community present the program while providing a practical, real world perspective, sharing their own experiences.

Morse Pond (5 & 6): Stay tuned…in development for academic year 2021-22!

Lawrence School (7 & 8): A one-day workshop for 7th and 8th graders that raises awareness about habits and behaviors that can positively impact their high school experience and their future pursuits. In 7th grade, presenters lead students through discussion and activities about managing money. Students identify Needs versus Wants and learn how to make priorities. In 8th grade, students model Behaviors to Impress such as the handshake, listening and eye contact while also participating in a mock interview. Volunteers from the Falmouth community present the ESG program while providing a practical, real world perspective by sharing their own experiences.
Volunteer Opportunity: Present a 45-minute lesson. VIPS provides presenter materials and training.

Falmouth High School (9 -12): A series of 25-minute Money Talk$ sessions in which financial professionals from the community answer students’ questions and share their expertise on specific topics pertinent to young adults such as Taxes & Teens, Understanding Loans, From SAT Scores to Credit Scores and Top 3 Money Rules.

Volunteer Opportunity: Financial professionals interested in sharing experience and expertise on a financial topic, please contact Beth Underhill, Financial Literacy Program Leader.

Credit for Life Fair
Every spring, Falmouth High seniors are given a unique opportunity to test reality! Each student is provided an entry-level salary in their career of interest, mock credit score and bank account balance, and depending on their career choice, a possible student loan payment. Students then walk through an interactive simulation that allows them to learn more about personal finance. Students make decisions on how to budget their money on needs like food, housing and clothing as well as transportation, travel and retirement savings. This is an annual community event sponsored by Cape Cod Five Savings Bank in partnership with the FHS Guidance Department and coordinated by the FHS Internship Program coordinator.

Other Financial Literacy Initiatives at Falmouth High School
Student and Faculty Surveys--Test Your Financial Knowledge
Check out the student survey (with answers)
Check out the faculty survey (with answers)