A strong foundation of financial literacy gives students the knowledge and skills they need for a lifetime of economic stability.
In Arkansas, there is a serious need for this kind of early financial education. According to a financial capability survey from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FIRNA), Arkansas ranked in the bottom five of three out of five measures. It is essential to the economic growth in the state – as well as in the nation – for residents to have access to information and tools that will enable them to make good short-term and long-term financial decisions.
Economics Arkansas, a Foundation for the Mid South grantee, is addressing this challenge by making sure children learn the importance of making smart money choices from a young age. The organization trains teachers and other employees in public and independent schools to educate students about economics and financial planning.

Financial Competency Training
Research shows that teachers are one of the most targeted groups by alternative financial services, such as payday lenders; it is important for them to receive financial training both to use in their own lives and to pass along to their students. The Foundation for the Mid South offers Arkansas teachers comprehensive financial competency training, with the objectives of:
Increasing financial planning ability
Reducing the use of alternative financial services
Building awareness of financial planners and their services
REAL Econ for All
From July 9-10, 2014, the Foundation sponsored an Economics Arkansas event, REAL Econ for All (Relevant, Engaging, Activity-bases Learning) in Little Rock. This was the third annual economics and personal finance education conference for K-12 educators in Arkansas, aiming to introduce teachers to learning opportunities for their student’s grade levels. 
The Foundation presented two sessions in partnership with financial planners from LPL Financial, which included information on how to grow and protect wealth, as well as “The 7 Core Principles for Working Toward Financial Independence.” 
The Impact of the Conference:
Each event participant received six hours of ADE Certified Professional Development Credit for each completed day, along with curriculum and instruction materials
The Foundation’s sessions engaged approximately 30 participants, who received training from licensed financial planners
120 other conference attendees received training materials, including information on making better financial decisions, growing savings, reducing debt, managing credit and avoiding alternative financial services
All participants received a copy of the Foundations’ Financial First Aid Toolkit
The Foundation for the Mid South looks forward to continuing to support wealth building and financial literacy efforts throughout the region. Our overarching goal is to educate and empower families to build financial security and break the cycle of generational poverty.