It's (Nearly) Unanimous: Teachers Have brass - and Love It
From Solutions to the Youth Financial Literacy Puzzle, a publication by the New York Credit Union Foundation
(See more about the brass|STUDENT PROGRAM & NYCUF by clicking here.)

TALK ABOUT IMPACT.

Last spring, New York teachers and high school principals were asked to take a 10-question survey about their attitudes toward the brass|STUDENT PROGRAM.

Ninety-seven percent of respondents found it useful. Ninety-eight percent want to use it again.

Every public high school in New York State receives the program's centerpiece, brass|MAGAZINE, at no charge, thanks to the sponsorship of 15 credit unions and the New York Credit Union Foundation (NYCUF). The "lifestyle magazine with a money twist," written by young adults for young adults, delivers more than 48,000 magazines in September, November and February to high school classrooms throughout the state. Teachers have access to a digital edition of the May issue as well. With the brass|STUDENT PROGRAM, which first launched in New York two years ago, teachers integrate the magazine's content into the classroom. And, with budgets being extremely tight, teachers appreciate "that it's free!" wrote a survey respondent, "and that it's fresh and new each issue, unlike when we purchase textbooks or the like."

"The magazines are easy to read and include topics that students are interested in," wrote another survey respondent. "Even the ads can be informational. Students get excited about the topics. It is always good for them to hear this type of information from someone other than the teacher. In addition, the inclusion of up-to-date statistics is very beneficial and helps me plan."

This fall, the program has launched exciting new features for teachers, students and sponsors, including a complete website redesign funded in part by a National Credit Union Foundation Innovation Grant. The website features the brass|TEACHER RESOURCE CENTER and brass|STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER—where users will now find video, helpful links and opportunities for students to contribute to the magazine. Teachers will find lesson plans, questioning strategies and bonus material on the website; students can access a database of credit union scholarships; sponsors can upload their scholarship opportunities and see which schools in their area have a Primary Contact.

Meanwhile, the new brass|IN CLASS insert features the creative ways that students and teachers use brass|MAGAZINE. The inspiration for brass|IN CLASS, which appeared on the front page of the brass|STUDENT EDITION insert in February 2008, came from teacher Nicole Rice and the students of Cincinnatus High School, who read a brass cover story on slam poet Carlos Andres Gomez and responded by inviting him to speak at their school. Any student or teacher can submit their story and photos through the online Resource Centers, or by contacting the Student Program team at studentprogram @ brassmedia.com.

Through these and other initiatives, the brass|STUDENT PROGRAM is building a community of educators focused on helping young adults understand the role of money in their everyday lives. The Student Program website can be accessed by visiting sp.brassmagazine.com. If you would like more information on becoming a sponsor of the brass|STUDENT PROGRAM – NY please contact Brady Sahnow at bradysahnow @ brassmedia.com.