Treasurer Fitzpatrick Kicks off Financial Literacy Month with New Fin Lit Portal and Scholarship Search Engine

April 01, 2021

Partners with Sallie Mae to make finding scholarships easier for Missouri students

Jefferson City, MO –Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick today kicked off Financial Literacy Month by announcing a new search engine to help Missouri students pursuing higher education find scholarship opportunities more easily. This tool is available on a newly reorganized and updated Financial Literacy Portal.

“It is important to develop good financial habits—and the new Financial Literacy Portal can help Missourians at all stages learn, grow, and achieve their goals,” Treasurer Fitzpatrick said. “A significant focus of the portal is helping Missouri students seeking higher education avoid the lingering financial impact of student debt. Our new Show Me the Money Scholarship Search Engine will help students find scholarship opportunities and hopefully help set them off on the path to higher education and brighter financial future.”

The Show Me the Money Scholarship Search Engine connects Missouri students with scholarship and grant opportunities tailored to their skills. The Treasurer partnered with Sallie Mae, a nationwide consumer banking institution specializing in private student loans, to offer more than 6 million scholarships worth over $30 billion in one place.

“Financial literacy provides students with a strong foundation of knowledge and confidence, helping them making informed decisions about their future,” Laura Steinbeck, Assistant Region Head, Sallie Mae, said. “Those decisions include how to plan and pay for higher education, one of the first major investments for many students. Providing critical education and information through free programs, like the Show Me the Money Scholarship Search Engine, empowers students to make responsible choices.”

The updated Financial Literacy Portal has been reorganized to help visitors find useful information related to their individual financial goals. Visitors can learn about how to plan for education costs and understand student loans, as well as topics like credit, budgeting, and retirement. There are also lessons and games for children including Flat Fitzpatrick, a fun coloring activity introduced in 2020.

In partnership with Sallie Mae and the MOST 529 team, Treasurer Fitzpatrick will host a webinar focused on providing information about saving for college and finding scholarship opportunities. The free virtual event will take place on Wednesday, April 7 at 6 p.m. Those who wish to participate can register here.

The Treasurer’s Office administers two savings and investment program: MOST, Missouri’s 529 Education Plan, and MO ABLE, a savings plan for Missourians with disabilities. More information can be found at https://www.missourimost.org/ and https://www.moable.com/.

Financial Literacy Month raises awareness about improving financial literacy and promotes financial well-being for all consumers.

The Financial Literacy Portal can be accessed here: https://treasurer.mo.gov/financial-literacy/. The Show Me the Money Scholarship Search Engine can be accessed here: https://treasurer.mo.gov/financial-literacy/ScholarGrants.

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