Free Financial Literacy Program Planned by Douglas Board, West Georgia

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Area residents will now have access to free online resources to help them manage their money, thanks to a unique partnership between the University of West Georgia and Douglas County.

The program — officially called “Financial and Entrepreneurship Recovery Fundamentals” — was announced during the Douglas County Board of Commissioner’s April 19 meeting.

“I’ve long advocated for providing our residents with not only the means to fiscally succeed, but also the knowledge to obtain financial freedom,” said county vice chair Kelly Robinson, who came up with the idea. “This program will do both and is a dream come true.”

Residents will have access to the free program through a series of short customized online videos that provide a gateway to more online learning opportunities with the university. Those who finish the program will qualify for a certificate of completion, as well as options for continuing education credits or course credits.

Kim Holder, director of the West Georgia’s Center for Economic Education & Financial Literacy, told the county board at its April 19 meeting that the program could be life changing for Douglas County residents.

“This matters because just like there is a cycle of poverty, cycles of wealth also exist,” Holder said.

The board plans a formal launch of the project, funded by the federal CARES Act, in May. Douglas County residents will have access to the program by visiting a customized webpage on the county’s website.