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FAQs, Get Smart About Credit
ABA Education Foundation
- What is Get Smart About Credit Day?
- Why should I participate?
- Do I have to participate on October 20?
- What qualifies as a Get Smart About Credit lesson?
- What teaching materials are available?
- Do I have to use the foundation's resources?
- I purchased a credit education kit, am I registered for GSAC 2011
- What free resources does the ABA Education Foundation offer?
- How can I get started?
- Is there any banker training for Get Smart About Credit?
- Am I responsible for contacting a school?
- How will my bank be recognized?
- What if I still have questions?
1. What is Get Smart About Credit Day?
Get Smart About Credit Day is an annual event held in October where bankers visit local classrooms to share with students the "credit facts of life." The ninth annual event will be celebrated on October 20, but banks will host events throughout the fall. Since it was started by the ABA Education Foundation in 2003 more than 18,000 bankers have reached some 704,993 young people.
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Changes in the economy and new legislation will likely influence the mechanics of obtaining credit. For young people having credit won't just be new, it will be new and different. As bankers you'll have the opportunity to use the Get Smart Credit program to help young people navigate this new responsibility.
3. Do I have to participate on October 20?
No. Banker participation is not limited to October 20. Bankers can give a Get Smart About Credit lesson anytime in October and throughout the year.
4. What qualifies as a Get Smart About Credit lesson?
Get Smart About Credit lessons must be taught by a financial services professional and cover credit basics. Bankers can focus on topics such as, credit worthiness, the cost of credit cards, how to read a credit report and preventing identity theft.
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5. What teaching materials are available?
To make teaching credit easier for bankers and fun for students the foundation offers the Get Smart About Credit Resource Kit for school age participants and the Finance 101 Credit Resource Kit for adults. Both kits include worksheets, interactive activities, PowerPoint presentations and scripted, step-by-step lesson plans. Visit our products page for the latest discounts.
6. Do I have to use the foundation's teaching materials?
No, you do not have to use the ABA Education Foundation's teaching materials to participate. Your lesson does need to be credit-focused. When considering another curriculum, look for material that is aligned with academic standards to ensure added value for teachers. Learn more about the GSAC and Finance 101 Credit Resource Finance Kit.
7. I purchased teaching materials from the foundation, am I registered for Get Smart About Credit 2011?
No. Buying teaching or credit education materials from the foundation does not automatically register you for the 2011 Get Smart About Credit campaign. Click here to register.
8. What free resources does the ABA Education Foundation offer?
The ABA Education Foundation has a host of free resources available to bankers.
Visit the products page for budgeting worksheets, the credit Q&A brochure, credit education newsletter and more.
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Start by registering using the foundation's online registration. Once you've registered, you'll get access to online resources with step-by-step directions to plan a successful event. Register for Get Smart About Credit.
10. Is there any banker training for Get Smart About Credit?
The foundation will host two webinars with tips on using the Get Smart About Credit and the Finance 101 Credit Kit, planning an event, sharing best practices and positioning the event for Community Reinvestment Act credit. The webinars are set for Aug. 23 and Sept.8 at 2:30 p.m. EDT.
11. Am I responsible for contacting a school?
Yes. Many first-time participants choose to start with a school where they already know a teacher or have a child enrolled. Or, your bank may participate in an adopt-a-school program.
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12. How will my bank be recognized?
Registered banks that participate will be included in the Get Smart About Credit Honor Roll -- the official list of participating banks.
In addition, the ABA Education Foundation will maintain an online list of banks participating in Get Smart About Credit 2011. We will promote this list with media, policymakers and members of Congress to highlight your commitment to the communities you serve.
13. What if I still have questions?
If you still have questions, you can sign-up for a free webinar, send an e-mail to edufoun@aba.com or call 1-800-BANKERS.
Question? Contact the ABA Education Foundation.
