History

In response to requests by women attending the very successful Everywoman's Money Conference, Governor Jack Markell, who was then State Treasurer, created The Money School in 1999 so that financial education would be an on-going process, not a one day event. Twelve classes were offered that first year.

In 2001, the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute (DFLI) was incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3). The Institute hired an Executive Director and opened its office in the Claymont Community Center in June 2002. In addition to its signature program, The Money School, DFLI coordinates Bank At School and the Money Smart$ Conferences for Kids and Their Parents. In 2003, DFLI created the Money Talk$ program, which offers teacher training, summer graduate seminars, and a parent-teacher newsletter. DFLI adapted the Everywoman's Money Conference concept to a multi-faceted program, From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of Their Money, targeting women's unique financial needs.

In 2008, over 600 free Money School classes were held across the state, all taught by volunteers from the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Students can register 24 hours a day, seven days a week either with a call to our toll free registration center or by visiting www.delawaremoneyschool.com.

In 2007, Chasing the Dream, an entrepreneurship education program, was added. DFLI also took a leadership role in National Entrepreneurship Week, forming the Coalition of Organizations for Delaware Entrepreneurship.

The Delaware Financial Literacy Institute is unique - a statewide network of free classes for individuals to learn to take charge of their money. Learn more about the Institute and its programs by visiting www.delawaremoneyschool.com, www.pursestoportfolios.com, www.firststatesaves.org, or www.bankatschool.com.