(VANCOUVER) 8 MAY 2019: To address the financial literacy gap in schools, students from Okanagan College developed a six-week program that teaches basic financial concepts to elementary-school students across Canada.
Enactus Okanagan College has been named the 2019 CWB Financial Education Challenge National Champion by this country’s largest student leadership development organization, Enactus Canada, and proud supporter Canadian Western Bank. The national competition took place at the 2019 Enactus Canada National Exposition in Vancouver.
After partnering with over 450 teachers, Enactus Okanagan’s CANSave program has positively impacted over 33,000 students, from Kindergarten to Grade 7, in more than 100 distinct communities across Canada.
“Canadian Western Bank is proud to support Enactus students as they strive to improve financial literacy within and outside of their communities,” said Jeff Wright, a senior vice president at Canadian Western Bank. “Financial literacy is an essential life skill that many do not have today. Our younger generations need to actively participate in becoming more financially literate to prepare themselves to make smart financial decisions throughout their lifetimes.”
The CWB Financial Education Challenge is a national competition empowering post-secondary students to develop and deliver projects that will educate Canadians on how to make informed and positive financial decisions that will ultimately improve their quality of life. This past year alone, this challenge has engaged 1,000 students across the country, resulting in over 50 financial education outreach projects, and directly impacting the financial futures of 17,000 people.
“Financial literacy strengthens communities and empowers individuals to take control of their financial futures. Enactus Okanagan College has done an outstanding job making these skills available to young Canadians,” said Nicole Almond, Enactus Canada President.
The 2019 Enactus Canada National Exposition unites 1,500 delegates including the country’s brightest university and college students, academic professionals and top Canadian CEOs to enable progress by supporting entrepreneurial action through competition, recognition and education.
For competition results throughout the event, please follow @Enactus_Canada on Twitter. All event results will also be published on enactus.ca/events/national-exposition.
ABOUT ENACTUS CANADA: Enactus Canada, a national charity and the country’s largest post-secondary experiential learning platform, is shaping entrepreneurial leaders who are passionate about advancing the economic, social and environmental health of Canada. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, more than 3,400 post-secondary students led 275 community empowerment projects and business ventures last year in communities coast to coast, positively impacting over 28,000 lives.
As a global network of 37 countries, Enactus uses the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. For more information, visit enactus.ca.
ABOUT CANADIAN WESTERN BANK (TSX: CWB) is a bank for business owners and individuals who want expert advice and specialized financial services for their business banking, personal banking and wealth management needs. Our relationship-based approach means we know our clients and their industries, and ask the right questions to provide the right financial solutions. Through our network of branches, offices and our mobile relationship teams in more than 50 communities across Canada, we’re helping our clients grow their businesses, manage their money and realize their financial potential. Get to know us at www.cwbank.com.
Media inquiries:
Nicole Almond
Enactus Canada
416-702-2251
nicole@enactus.ca