December 2, 2009

Governor Markell Receives Award for Financial Education

Nomination submitted by Director of Division of State Service Centers

WILMINGTON – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) awarded Governor Jack Markell its Chairman’s Award for Innovation in Financial Education at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. this afternoon.  Mary Dupont, Director of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Division of State Service Centers, nominated the Governor for his work in creating the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, also known as the Delaware Money School.

The Money School is a statewide non-profit organization offering free financial education by partnering with non-profits, civic organizations, state agencies and corporations.  The School has brought together all organizations and programs in the state that offer financial education and advising.  The Money School coordinates, promotes and facilitates more than 600 classes per year plus 100 special request classes free of charge.

“By using his personal capital, Jack Markell built a model on a foundation of good will, with long tentacles into the community, supported primarily by volunteers and in-kind contributions of stakeholders throughout the state,” Dupont said in promoting the Governor for the award.  “He personally raised the funds needed to jumpstart the operation and sought out the support and involvement of trainers, non-profit organizations, faith based organizations, libraries, educational institutions, and the community at large.” 

The Chairman’s Award is the highest award given by the FDIC to non-employees for contributions to personal finance education.  Mary Dupont attended the luncheon at the National Press Club to accept the award on the Governor’s behalf.