A representative from the Ohio Treasurer’s office visited Ironton recently to present the Lawrence County OSU Extension office with the Compass Award in recognition of their demonstrated excellence in the field of financial literacy education.

In conjunction with National Financial Literacy Month, Treasurer Robert Sprague announced 59 county OSU Extension offices as April’s Compass Award honorees. The monthly recognition program commends the organizations, programs and individuals across the state who are working to guide Ohioans toward financial literacy and empowerment.

The Real Money. Real World program was developed by OSU Extension and is designed for youth ages 12-18. The curriculum includes an interactive spending simulation that provides participants the opportunity to make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those they will make as adults.

Real Money. Real World is evidence-based and delivered through strategic partnerships involving county OSU Extension offices, local schools and other community stakeholders that act as volunteers for simulations. The program is currently offered in 59 Ohio counties.

Last year, during America Saves Week, the Treasurer’s office announced a partnership with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to advance and expand the use of the college’s Real Money, Real World financial education program in school districts across the state.

OSU Extension is the outreach arm of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

In addition to the Compass Award and Real Money. Real World programs, the Treasurer’s office maintains an online Financial Literacy Resource Guide to provide Ohioans with a series of resources to help make informed decisions around budgeting, saving and borrowing.