Publications

Access to Mainstream Financial Services

A Guide to Establishing Bank Branches in High Schools
This new guide describes the inspiration and operation of two high school student-run bank branches in public schools: the Curie Branch of Park Federal Savings Bank in Chicago and the Cardinal Branch of Mitchell Bank in Milwaukee. The Guide includes information on both projects, the partners involved, factors to consider, and the costs and benefits of such a project. The Shriver Center hopes that the Guide will inspire more schools, banks, and others to develop similar projects. The high school bank branch model is part of a national effort to expand financial education, services, and asset-building opportunities to students, families, and communities.

Mexican President Praises Chicago Groups' Work to Help Immigrants Open Bank Accounts and Save Money

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Tapping the Unbanked Market (November 2002) (panel 2)

Asset Building and Preservation

Illinois Governor Signs Mortgage Rescue Fraud Act
by Ian Gardiner, Poverty Action Report, June 2006

An Easier Way to Save: The IRS Implements "Split Refund"
by Jami Schlafer, Poverty Action Report, June 2006

Policy Options to Encourage Savings and Asset Building by Low-Income Americans
by Ray Boshara, Reid Cramer, and Leslie Parrish, New America Foundation

Federal Assets Policy Report and Outlook 2004
by the New America Foundation

A Discussion and Display of Innovations: The Second Annual Illinois Asset Building Conference
Profitwise News and Views, January 2004

Work, Welfare and Families Annual Summit: Community Directions for Reducing Family Poverty (November 2003)

Financial Education

Financial Education and Asset Building Programs for Welfare Recipients and Low-Income Workers: The Illinois Experience
This essay by Dory Rand of the Shriver Center describes how the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Financial Links for Low-Income People (FLLIP) coalition successfully implemented financial education and asset building programs that helped low-income participants increase financial literacy, improve money management habits and savings, and build assets using Individual Development Accounts.

FLLIP Financial Literacy Program: Key Stakeholder Focus Groups