WSC Launches Innovative Financial Literacy Program For Students
WILLISTON, N.D. Williston State College (WSC) launched a new pilot program this fall that emphasizes the importance of personal finances. The initiative requires freshman students, and eventually all students, to complete a financial literacy curriculum using SmartwithMyMoney.nd.gov.
SmartwithMyMoney.nd.gov is a free resource provided by the state of North Dakota. It allows users to create an account, take a research-based financial personality assessment, and learn how their personality affects their money decisions. That information, when paired with their level of financial knowledge on key topics, identifies personalized learning resources on the site to improve financial literacy.
“At Williston State College, we are thrilled to join the ‘Smart with My Money’ effort to make North Dakota the most financially literate state in the nation,” said WSC President Dr. Bernell Hirning. “Learning about finances and understanding how money personalities impact financial decisions can be lifechanging.”
WSC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Zahi Atallah added, “Our pilot program will help students learn about important money topics and empower them to make good financial decisions not only during their college years but throughout their lives.”
As part of the curriculum, students create their free account on SmartWithMyMoney.nd.gov, take a money personality quiz, and complete recommended courses. Students also have access to 34 standard courses with pre- and post-assessments, a library of over 120 financial topics, and more than 2,800 pieces of content, including articles, videos, tools, and courses.
“Making smart financial decisions doesn’t always come naturally;
you must learn it. We want our students to graduate from Williston State College in a strong position, educationally and financially,” expressed WSC Professor and Program Coordinator of Accounting Maren Furuseth.
“Williston State College implementing this program demonstrates leadership and forward thinking. The addition of the Smart with My Money curriculum will better prepare all their students for both future career and financial success,” Bank of North Dakota President Don Morgan stated.
The “Smart with My Money” effort and SmartWithMyMoney.nd.gov were announced in April 2024 when Gov. Doug Burgum was joined by leaders of 11 state agencies to kick off Financial Literacy Month in North Dakota. The goal of the “Smart with My Money” effort is to make North Dakota the most financially literate state by 2027.
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