As part of a generous partnership between Comerica Bank, Ally Bank, and The BIG Institute, GSSEM co-hosted an informative and unique financial knowledge event for Girl Scouts.

Held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago- Detroit branch, the nearly 30 Girl Scouts in attendance participated in units focusing on the value of money management from volunteers, including Steve Davis, Comerica Bank Michigan market president.

“This is an amazing program,” Davis complimented. “Every young woman should go through something like this for a better understanding of money management.”

During this immersive experience, girls moved through 17 stations of a simulated micro-city making decisions on wants vs needs, insurance, loans, investment, budgeting, and more, instilling the value of financial knowledge. This was not the first, or last, time GSSEM has put on such an event with The BIG Institute. With an approach unlike any other, and, as being started by a woman entrepreneur, it fits right in line with two Girl Scout Program Pillars—Life Skills and Entrepreneurship.

“This is just one of many programs that GSSEM can offer our young minds of tomorrow while preparing them to manage their money and responsibilities,” said Lonn Hartman, Financial Literacy Programs Specialist who coordinated the event with the partners.

At the end of the school-day event, the girls were able to peek into “The Vault” for a glimpse of the $4.1 billion worth of currency stored there. 

“It was a rare opportunity for everyone. I was excited to see the transformation of the space and the different rooms that were set up for the girls to interact,” said GSSEM team member Minerva Murff-Brown, Entrepreneurship Program Specialist

Check out this WJBK Fox 2 News interview to hear about the impact and success of the event directly from some of the girls who were there.