TJC is giving students the opportunity to get educated on financial aid and learn to save money, spend wisely and plan for their future.
“If we can have a student come and walk away saying, ‘I didn’t know that’ and leave ready to plan their financial future, we have accomplished our goal,” said Ashleigh Lewis, Tyler Junior College student development professor.
Across the nation, students may not understand how their financial setting affects their future. Learning the basics of financial responsibility early on could prevent students from going into debt and prepare them for the world outside of college.
Texas Bank and Trust is funding Financial Literacy Week which will be a week full of events for students to interact and learn the foundation of financial aid. The events run April 14-April 17. Monday’s Paint a Piggy for Pennies will be held at 11:30-1 p.m in front of Rogers Student Center. Students will paint a ceramic piggy bank to hold loose change. The winner of best painted pig will win a $25 Starbucks gift card.
Tuesdays Dollar for Donuts will be held at 8:30-10:30 a.m in front of Pirtle Technology Center and again at 1-3 p.m in front of Jenkins Hall. Donuts will be provided and students will sign a pledge to save money.
Wednesdays Money Grab will be held at 11:30-1 p.m on the 2nd floor of Rogers Student Center. Students will be asked financial literacy questions and for each correct answer, will earn time in the money grab machine.
Thursdays Sweet Cents will be held at 12:30 p.m in the RSC Apache Rooms. Scott Dickerson, representative of Texas Bank and Trust, will begin speaking at 1p.m. to students about ways to stay financially savvy. Students who attend will get to pick up some sweets at the ice cream sundae bar.
“Students need to learn how to manage their money because it’s not just now being a college student and cutting corners, but how they will prioritize their money for their future,” said Casey Wells, Tyler Junior College financial aid officer.
Students are encouraged to attend these events to learn about real life choices and budgeting. Financial aid advisors strives to teach students the truth behind borrowing money before they make the commitment to that loan distributor and end up borrowing more than they can afford to pay back. The result of a student going into debt could affect them in more ways then they think such as, not getting a job, bad credit score or continuing further education.
Financial aid advisors are available by appointment or walk-in on the 1st floor of the White Administrative building. They can also be contacted at (903)510- 2385.
