Chandler partners with Be A Mushroom foundation to expand bilingual financial literacy program for youth
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Summary
The city introduced a 12-chapter bilingual financial literacy program, Road to Riches, led by the Be A Mushroom Foundation with First Interstate Bank as a partner and pilot offerings to housing youth and family self-sufficiency participants.
City staff introduced founders of Be A Mushroom (BAM) and highlighted a partnership to deliver the Road to Riches financial-literacy program to Chandler youth and family self-sufficiency participants.
Jerome Daniels, co-founder of the Be A Mushroom Foundation, told the council the program is an online, 12-chapter curriculum available in English and Spanish that “breaks down everything from opening up a bank account all the way to what an IRA is.” Daniels said the material is designed to be delivered in community centers, schools and other local settings and that the city’s housing-youth program will pilot the curriculum; the city also plans to offer it to Family Self-Sufficiency participants.
The foundation described a related outreach event, the Road to Riches car show (held April 12), which the city-hosted presentation recognized and used to present a “City of Chandler best in show” award to Myra and Rudy Ruiz. The foundation presented a community-partner award to First Interstate Bank, which they described as a local partner supporting the program.
Why this matters: The program is aimed at improving financial stability and helping participants gain practical banking and saving skills. The curriculum’s bilingual format and deployment through housing and family-support programs are designed to reach residents who municipal programs often try to engage for economic mobility.
Council response and next steps: City staff introduced the founders and recognized the program partnership; there was no council action or funding decision reported at the meeting. Presenters asked the city and partners to support outreach and implementation in Chandler.
Background and details in the record: Presenters said the Road to Riches curriculum has 12 chapters and is in English and Spanish. Jerome Daniels credited First Interstate Bank as a partner. The meeting program included an onstage award presentation and photos for the April car-show winners.
Ending: The council received the presentation as a recognition and informational item; staff and the foundation will continue program outreach and coordination with the city’s housing and family-services efforts.