
Congressional interns get a head start on financial literacy
By Brooke Howell / 08/09/2017 / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
When should you learn about financial literacy and the dealership experience? If you’re waiting until you get your first credit card or purchase your first vehicle, you may be waiting too long. But with just one-third of states requiring financial literacy education as part of their core curriculum, thousands are entering adulthood without understanding basic financial concepts like credit, budgeting and financing.
KEYSSM by GM Financial, our financial literacy program, is dedicated to reaching out to new audiences and new areas. Most recently, KEYS teamed up with GM Federal Affairs and GM Dealer Diversity to present financial literacy training to the interns of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. The event was held at the Page Chevrolet dealership in Alexandria, VA. Lyft provided ride tickets to help interns travel from their offices in Washington, D.C.
The morning kicked off with dealership owner China Arbuckle, who talked about how she came to own Page Chevrolet and shared some secrets for getting the most out of a dealership experience. Later, the interns got a tour of the dealership.
Interns also heard from Cherie Wilson, Director of GM Federal Affairs; Celeste Briggs, Director of Women’s Retail Network at GM; and Tricia Francis, VP Customer Experience Services for GM Financial. Then, training facilitator Mindy Graves, VP Customer Service, shared information about the importance of saving, credit history, and walked them through budgeting exercises.
“The participants were so engaged,” Francis said. “They took notes and asked a lot of great questions about cash vs. financing, affordability and how to navigate the dealership experience.”
GM Financial is always looking for new ways to make connections and grow the KEYS program. We plan to present to the Congressional Black Caucus this fall.
Learn more about KEYS and GM Financial’s Mobility Initiative.

By Brooke Howell, GM Financial
Brooke Howell is a storyteller who loves digging up ways to improve money management and help others make smart financial decisions. She has three American Staffordshire terriers, one curmudgeonly Chihuahua and doesn’t do anything by halves (except marathons).
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