Brookhaven Academy has recently become part of a state-wide initiative promoting financial literacy.

State Treasurer Lynn Fitch introduced the Treasurer’s Education About Money program Monday. The program uses a web-based platform to teach students about responsible spending. It uses 3D gaming, animation and video to help increase financial awareness.

Recently, Mississippi has been named the least financially capable state in the country according to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. This effort is part of Fitch’s goal to counteract that.

“It changes the financial culture of our state if they are empowered by money rather than afraid of it,” she said.

Fitch said that education’s most important goal is to prepare students for the real world. Whether they go to a two-year or four-year college or straight into the workforce, every student needs to understand how money works.

“They need to be prepared in whatever way they can,” she said.

Carmen Keys will represent the software company, EverFi, at the school as BA implements the new curriculum.

“We want fewer students to go bad on student loans or go into bankruptcy,” she said. “Every student in the state is going to manage money.”

Keys said she believes the success of the program is tied to the use of technology.

“It brings innovation through technology; that’s what they find engaging,” she said.

Keys is currently working with BA teachers to instruct them on the use of the software and how the program works.

The program has been through a pilot period with more than 18,000 students. Now it is available to all schools for no charge. Schools interested in the program should contact the State Treasurer’s Office.