FDU Helps Teens Prepare Online for Financial Challenges Ahead

The Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies at FDU's Silberman College of Business is now offering an online version of the financial preparedness course that has become a popular part of its Discover Business Teen Camp held each summer.

The online course, costing $145, covers financial planning, budgeting, investing, credit card use, money management, insurance and career development. As a public service, the Rothman Institute is making the program available free of charge to those students who choose to forgo FDU assessment and certificate accreditation.

According to James Barrood Executive Director of the Rothman Institute, "The lack of financial skills and understanding is a critical problem for young people and their parents today. There is a very little, if any, guidance on the secondary school level, and the average high school graduate enters college with over $1,500 in credit card debt."

Barrood also attributes the course's popularity to a benefit beyond the development of life skills in personal financial preparation of incoming freshman," says Barrood. "Completion of this course is looked upon favorably by admission officers across the country."

The Rothman Institute, located at FDU's College at Florham campus in Madison, New Jersey, has long been acclaimed for its innovative outreach programs, and its academic curriculum in the area of entrepreneurial studies now ranks among the finest in the nation.

Students can register for the online version of the Institute's course on "Personal Finance and Planning for High School Students" at www.fdu.edu/personalfinance. Once enrolled, students will view and listen to a two-hour lecture, and then complete post lecture exercises, including one involving their parents. The lecture is also available on DVD and as an audio podcast. A course summary is available to Spanish-speaking parents.

In order to receive a certificate of completion, students must pass an online exam under the supervision of their parents. The exam consists of four essays and 50 multiple-choice questions. Students who do not achieve a score of 80% or better will be given guidance as to why they under performed, and two additional opportunities to receive a certificate. The total time to complete the program is four to six hours.

For more information about the Rothman Institute or the online financial preparedness program itself, contact James Barrood.