GREENFIELD — Franklin First Federal Credit Union is teaming up with the Greenfield Public Library to offer a free 12-week financial literacy program for teens ages 12 to 14.

The weekly one-hour program, slated to start Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the library, will teach participants how to create a small business and manage their own money. Each young person will develop a business idea, business basics, and finish with a marketplace experience to help put the learned skills into practice.

“Money is not something that people like to talk about,” said David Howe, the credit union’s chief information officer. “We’re New Englanders. We’re very private people.”

Howe said he is also a certified financial counselor and he will lead the program with colleague Anna Morin. Registration is required. For more information, and to register, email Howe at dave@franklinfirst.org or call 413-774-6700. Registration ends on Feb. 2.

Howe explained the credit union launched a pilot program at Franklin County’s YMCA in the spring and it was a huge success, with the young people being receptive and enthusiastic.

“We’ve been building the program,” he continued. “It’s living document — it’s always in process.”

Participants will learn various aspects of running of a business, such as pricing, inventory and balancing a checkbook.

Pamela McBride, who works in information services at the library, said Howe visited the new building a month or so ago and asked if there was interest in a youth financial literacy program.

“We thought it was a great idea. One of the wonderful things about being in this new space is the community collaboration that we’re already starting [with] local organizations and businesses as well,” McBride said. “We really believe that this library is a community space, not just a typical library. It’s not just about books anymore.”

McBride said there had been talk around the library regarding the desire to host some type of program on financial education.

“Nobody knows how to write a check anymore,” she said.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or
413-930-4120.