Open course to train and certify industry professionals to teach financial literacy
DAVENPORT, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In recognition of financial literacy month, Kaplan University, in partnership with Operation HOPE, today announced plans to offer training for industry professionals to teach financial literacy education in the community.
“Working through Kaplan University to develop an online open learning certification course is another example of Operation HOPE’s focused efforts to promote an understanding of how money and finances work, and create a cohesive standard of excellence by equipping bank employees to teach financial literacy.”
The self-paced course, which leads to the Operation HOPE Financial Literacy Professional Certification, is scheduled to be offered through Kaplan University’s Open Learning Platform in the coming months. It is specifically designed to train financial services providers to teach this most important life skill.
“Kaplan University has worked closely with Operation HOPE for several years to help both our students and their clients better manage their personal and education finances. By developing and offering an open course that trains and certifies individuals to teach financial literacy, we hope to have a positive impact in the community-at-large,” said Dr. Wade Dyke, president of Kaplan University.
HOPE Financial Literacy Professional Certification for HOPE Inside Plus, offered by Kaplan University, will recognize employees that have become certified through the Kaplan course as HOPE fi nancial literacy professionals. Bank branches and other approved financial services locations that employ HOPE certified financial literacy professionals automatically become members of the Operation HOPE Membership Network, providing qualified HOPE financial services at their branch location and surrounding communities.
“Financial literacy in today’s world is almost as important as learning to read and write,” said John Hope Bryant Operation HOPE founder, chairman and CEO. “Working through Kaplan University to develop an online open learning certification course is another example of Operation HOPE’s focused efforts to promote an understanding of how money and finances work, and create a cohesive standard of excellence by equipping bank employees to teach financial literacy.”
Through its many partners, which include the U.S. Small Business Association, the Financial Services Roundtable, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the American Bankers Association, numerous banking partners, and many other government and community organizations, Operation HOPE has empowered more than 2 million individuals since 1992.
As a HOPE Inside Network member, SunTrust Banks, Inc. echoes the need for increasing financial literacy which will lead to the financial well-being of the communities they serve. “The Kaplan course will help educate and certify many members of the financial services industry who will provide financial literacy education to those in need,” said Dan Mahurin, SunTrust Financial Well-Being executive.
“Popular Community Bank, an Operation HOPE partner, agrees financial literacy certification is important, added, Brian Doran, NY Metro Region Executive, Popular Community Bank. “We applaud Operation HOPE and Kaplan for creating a standard in the delivery of tools for financial industry professionals through this certification program."
About Kaplan University
Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University serves approximately 44,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Missouri.
Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education Group and Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan, Inc. serves approximately 65,000 students online and through approximately 60 campus-based schools across the United States. Kaplan’s higher education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K-12. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company and its largest division. For more information, visit www.kapl
anuniversity.edu. Kaplan, Inc. recently received acknowledgement from Fast Company magazine as one of the Top 10 most innovative companies in Education.
About Operation HOPE, Inc. (HOPE)
The mission of Operation HOPE, Inc. (HOPE) is silver rights empowerment, making free enterprise work for everyone. It promotes financial dignity through the delivery of financial inclusion and education tools to underserved communities. Through its core divisions, the organization has provided youth and adult financial literacy, economic preparedness, digital empowerment, promoted home ownership, and assisted with foreclosure prevention to more than 2 million individuals, families, and small business owners. HOPE's next phase will be focused on Project 5117, a multi-year initiative that will track and increase business role models for youth, boost credit scores for adults, and empower underserved communities. To learn how you can join Project 5117, go to www.operationhope.org.
Contacts
Kaplan University
Amy Hawkinson
Director, Public Relations
Office: 954-515-3603
Mobile: 954-459-1324
ahawkinson@kaplan.edu