On April 12th, 2019, FPA Student Program Chapter members at Loras College conducted a Dream Big Read experience with a group of 4th graders in Dubuque, Iowa. Seniors Bill Luzzo and Anthony Berardi read Sammy's Big Dream to the classroom, discussed the story, and completed activities.

The CFP Board agreed with Loras College Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program Director, Brian Kallback, the student financial education project was a Sammyriffic success!

So, in the August 2019 CFP Board's monthly newsletter, the students and Dream Big Read experience were spotlighted. Here's the excerpt:

The 1st National Dream Big Read is a new financial literacy initiative from children's financial education character, Sammy Rabbit! It is a collaborative strategy embraced by CFP^® professionals around the nation such as Sheryl Garrett, CFP^® (Founder, Garrett Planning Network, Inc.) and Brian Kallback, CFP^® (Registered Program Director, Loras College).

In April, undergraduate students from Loras College's Financial Planning and Wealth Management registered program led their own Dream Big Read at a nearby elementary school in Dubuque, Iowa.

"Financial literacy matters for our future CFP^® professionals," stated Brian Kallback. "I am delighted to report Duhawk students Anthony Berardi and Bill Luzzo really enjoyed their “Sammyriffic” day teaching fourth graders about the importance of saving. At Loras, we want students to do more than learn in the classroom. We also want them to learn through experience, whether it is internships or programs that provide the opportunity to give back, like the Dream Big Read strategy provides. We believe at the core of financial planning is aligning values with actions."

Sam X Renick, creator of Sammy Rabbit, shares, "Research indicates the financial education process needs to start early. Some studies reflect adult money habits and attitudes are set by age 7. If you talk with young children on the topic, you quickly realize they have strong feelings, attitudes, and associations about money. Many of these ideas could result in financial regret if continued. If we are going to reverse the situation, it is going to require collaboration. That realization was a catalyst for the first National Dream Big Read."

"My daughter and I love Sammy Rabbit," said Sheryl Garrett, CFP^®. "The Garrett Planning Network supported the Arkansas Dream Big Read held during America Saves Week at Jones Elementary School in Springdale, Arkansas. I had an excellent talk with the school's principal who shared the positive impact the event had on students and administrators. The strategy is an effective way to educate, give back, and let your community know what you value."

The 2019 National Dream Big Read will be hosted in October, Financial Planning Month. The event will include a 15,000 book give away of Sammy's Big Dream Read and Color Activity Book and a goal of CFP^® professionals and registered program students hosting 100 "Dream Big Reads" in their local communities. The interactive three-step financial education experiences are to be conducted at elementary schools, youth clubs, community agencies, etc. around the nation. The three steps include reading Sammy’s story to students, having a discussion with them about their dreams, goals and money habits, and doing a short activity.

To learn more about the 1st National Dream Big Read and how your registered program can participate, go to www.SammyRabbit.com.

Gratitude CFP Board. Thank you for putting a spotlight on this student-led financial literacy project!

To learn more about the CFP Board click here.

Dream Big Read Arkansas