Two N.C. community college students win Decision Partners Financial Literacy Scholarships on CFNC.org

RALEIGH, N.C., July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Joyce Brackett of Southwestern Community College, and Jason Hendrickson of Wake Technical Community College, have won $500 Decision Partners Financial Literacy Scholarships awarded randomly each year to two new or returning college students who satisfactorily complete either Financial Literacy 101 or Advanced Money Management.  These free, interactive financial literacy materials are available through College Foundation of North Carolina at CFNC.org.  Decision Partners, the nonprofit organization that developed the materials for CFNC, customized them especially for students in North Carolina. 

"I think it is a great benefit to students that need financial aid to be educated about how loans work before taking out a loan," said Brackett.  "Many have no idea how banks, loans or business work and this will prevent many from making financial mistakes that could impact them for decades.

"I am truly grateful for this CFNC scholarship, as I am in my last year of school, and with internships and school twice a week and not to mention homework, there is little time left for working, so this will help tremendously.  When your books alone can cost $500, every bit of help is key in making a success of school," said Brackett.

"What I learned put my finances in the forefront of my mind, so I'm more aware of my spending," said Jason Hendrickson, who is studying pre-engineering, with plans to become a chemical engineer.  "Getting this scholarship will help me get all my books and supplies."

While multiple North Carolina colleges strongly encourage their students to improve their money management skills with the financial literacy options at CFNC.org, anyone can access these materials for free.  There is even a MoneyEdu program for high school freshmen - juniors.   Find the link for each of the three financial literacy choices under the "Paying for College" tab on the CFNC.org website.            

About Decision Partners: 

Decision Partners is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces Financial Literacy 101, an online course designed to teach students the skills they need to effectively manage money in college.  Decision Partners financial literacy courses have been endorsed by organizations such as the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and College Parents of America, and are used on over 200 college campuses nationwide.  Visit us online at www.decisionpartners.com.

About CFNC

College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is a free service of the State of North Carolina that helps students plan, apply, and pay for college. CFNC is a partnership of Pathways, the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority, and College Foundation, Inc. 

• Pathways, created by the N.C. General Assembly in 1999, is a state-wide initiative to increase the college-going rate of North Carolinians by providing: comprehensive college and career planning resources; electronic applications and transcripts accepted by all 110 North Carolina colleges and universities; and, information on student financial aid and college affordability. Pathways is administered by The University of North Carolina General Administration in collaboration with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, the N.C. Community College System, and the N.C. Independent Colleges and Universities.

• The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), established in 1965, is the State agency that promotes access to higher education by administering financial aid and savings programs, informing students and families about paying for college, teaching educators about financial aid administration, and advocating for resources to support students.

• College Foundation, Inc. (CFI), a nonprofit corporation serving North Carolina students and families since 1955, administers a portfolio of more than $3.3 billion, including education loans, the State's college grant programs, and the tax-free "529" college savings program on behalf of the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority. CFI also delivers information to North Carolina students and families about paying for college and provides technology services for CFNC.org.

• State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. SECU has been providing the employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for nearly 75 years.  With over 1.7 million members, SECU provides services through 239 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org.

CFNC offers resources toll-free at 1-866-866-CFNC and at CFNC.org.

SOURCE College Foundation of North Carolina