About Us
Financial Smarts for Vermont Students
The coalition comprises individuals, organizations, and businesses who have joined together to improve the personal financial literacy of Vermont's youth.
We believe that if teachers and parents have a better understanding of financial topics, they will be able to more effectively share that knowledge with the young people they instruct. This website provides resources and tools that will assist in the presentation of financial concepts in the classroom or at home.
The Vermont Jump$tart Coalition is a proud affiliate of the National Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, based in Washington, D.C.
History of the Vermont Jump$tart Coalition
Following a visit from the National Jump$tart Organization’s New England State Coordinator in 2004, a Vermont-based branch of the national arm was created: “Vermont Jump$tart.”
Promoting Financial Literacy Since 2004
Since our inception in 2004, Vermont Jump$tart has sought to improve the financial literacy of young adults; develop, disseminate, and encourage the use of Jump$tart’s National Standards in Kindergarten through college; and promote the teaching of personal finance. We believe that all young adults need to have the financial literacy necessary to make informed financial decisions.
Jump$tart has regularly offered scholarships to Vermont financial literacy educators to attend the national conference that occurs each year. These scholarships cover the costs associated with travel and lodging to make the opportunity possible to further educate our educators.
All-Volunteer, Non-Profit
The organization has hosted various events and conferences for the benefit of Vermonters. In October 2005, we held our first educator conference that has since continued annually, with only one exception in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to an annual conference, the organization has hosted various other events that included poster competitions, LifeSmarts competitions, golf tournaments, an Ugly Truck contest, and in 2020 launched an annual video contest where participants submit self-created short films with a message about financial literacy.
Vermont Jump$tart continues to remain an all-volunteer organization staffed by professionals throughout the state who work in various sectors of the financial industry.
Vermont Jump$tart — Since 2004
2004
New England State Coordinator visits Vermont. An affirmation agreement with the national Jump$tart Coalition is signed.
2005
April is proclaimed “Financial Literacy Month for Youth” by Gov. Jim Douglas. Vermont State Employees Credit Union and VSAC donate seed money. First annual conference is held.
2010
LifeSmarts & Vermont Reserve Cup events. Sponsored the Vermont Treasurer's Office “Reserve Cup.” First Vermont team goes to the national LifeSmarts competition.
2012
First annual charity golf tournament is held. Co-sponsored with Vermont Bankers Association. Also, hosted an Ugly Truck contest
2017
National Jump$tart Standards for K–12 introduced. The Vermont Board of Education adopted the 2015 National Standards in K-12 Personal Finance Education.
2020
Financial Literacy Video Contest. Launched our first annual Financial Literacy Video Contest.
2021
New website. Vermont Jump$tart unveils new and updated website.
As a non-profit organization, the Vermont Jump$tart Coalition of volunteers depends on the generosity of Vermonters, those in the business community as well as individuals, to donate funds to support our work. Thank you.