The AFSA Education Foundation is marking its 35th anniversary this year. This milestone has been achieved through the contributions of AFSA member representatives who have provided time and financial resources, leading to the establishment of an endowment. The foundation's personal finance curriculum, MoneySKILL, remains a key initiative, with 1.5 million students and teachers enrolled since its inception in 2002.
Promoting MoneySKILL is a primary focus of the AFSA Education Foundation’s Strategic Plan. In early 2025, efforts were made to raise awareness among two significant groups. On January 16, Executive Director Rhonda Ashburn presented to members of the Financial Education Directors Caucus within the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST). NAST is recognized as a leading authority on state treasury programs and related financial practices and education. The caucus includes nearly 70 treasury and state agency staff from almost every state.
On January 17, Olivia DiBiase, AFSAEF Director of Financial Education and Outreach, presented to advisers from Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). FCCLA is a national organization for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education across public and private schools. With over 244,000 student members and more than 7,300 chapter advisers across 5,300 chapters, FCCLA offers the Financial Fitness program which aligns well with MoneySKILL.
During the AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference held in New Orleans from January 20-23, Kathy Ruble spoke to conference delegates on January 21. As Vice Chair of the AFSA Foundation Board of Directors and Ally Financial Executive Director of Marketing – Dealer Financial Services & Communications, she updated industry leaders on the foundation's work. She highlighted marketing efforts for MoneySKILL in 2024 that included outreach to over 90,000 educators nationwide and social media campaigns resulting in over 2.5 million user impressions.
The AFSA Education Foundation continues to be a leader in financial education through collaboration with AFSA membership and strategic partnerships in both non-profit and for-profit sectors. MoneySKILL will remain an important resource for improving consumer financial skills into the future.