FAQs: Individuals
(Organizations, see below.)
How do I register for a J$FFE professional development event?
In most cases, Jump$tart does not conduct the events itself; but rather, licenses the Model to a partner organization and provides support; so to attend a J$FFE in-person event, you must register with the host organization. Upcoming events can be found on our Events Calendar.
Register for J$FFE Online here.
Does the Jump$tart Coalition conduct these training events?
Some are conducted by Jump$tart-affiliated State Coalitions; but others may be conducted by universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, school districts, etc.—a wide variety of qualified entities.
If Jump$tart doesn’t conduct the training events, what is its role?
With the help of some its partners, Jump$tart created—and now administers—the J$FFE Model on which these events are based. While each training event is unique, the Model ensures quality and consistency in the content delivered. Jump$tart provides ongoing guidance to licencees.
How do I know if the program I’m signed up for follows the J$FFE Model?
A professional development event that follows the J$FFE Model will state that clearly in its registration and other materials.
How can we get a J$FFE in-person event in our area?
If you represent an organization that conducts teacher training—or wants to—please see the FAQs for organizations, below. Or, contact your state Jump$tart affiliate, teacher association, school district or other entity that might be interested in conducting a program and encourage them to contact us.
How much does it cost to attend a J$FFE training event?
Since each in-person event is conducted by independent partner organizations, the cost to participate is set by the organization that hosts the event and may vary based on region, sponsorship support, and other factors.
How long is the program?
The J$FFE Model requires licencees to conduct 18-24 instruction hours. The in-person event may be longer if the host organization incorporates other optional activities. Typically, the event occurs over three to five consecutive days—but some organizations have begun to explore non-consecutive days and a blend of in-person instruction and distance learning using J$FFE Online.
What type of credit will I receive for completing the training?
The professional development certificate offered may vary according to local requirements and practices. Some J$FFE events may also offer graduate credits. Please check with the event organizers.
Which curriculum will this train me to use?
The J$FFE Model is designed to provide participants with a foundation of personal finance knowledge that will be applicable regardless of the curriculum or program you use, or the subject matter into which you are integrating personal finance education. In this way, J$FFE complements training and support offered by many curriculum providers.
I don’t teach personal finance. Is this program right for me?
Yes, this content-based learning is beneficial to any teacher who teaches personal finance, teaches a related subject, or wants to incorporate personal finance into any subject. The J$FFE Model focuses on improving your own knowledge of personal finance so that you’re better prepared to teach financial content—or address finance-related questions—within any subject or at any grade level. Importantly, it is also designed to benefit you, as a consumer.
I’m not a classroom teacher; can I sign up for J$FFE?
Eligibility for each in-person event is determined by the host organization, not by Jump$tart. Individuals other than classroom teachers are welcome to register for J$FFE Online modules. Additional information here.
Is J$FFE available for use in my classroom?
The J$FFE Model and J$FFE Online were developed for classroom teachers and other adults. If you are looking for curriculum resources to use in the classroom or at home with your own kids, we encourage you to search our online Clearinghouse for hundreds of resources targeted at students at various grade levels.
After I complete this training, where can I continue my professional development?
Each year, Jump$tart conducts the National Educator Conference, which we feel is a perfect complement to J$FFE, as it focuses on available educational resources and new developments in the field. Additionally, many curriculum resources — especially those provided by our Partners — offer teacher training to their own users.
Is J$FFE Online very different from the in-person events?
J$FFE Online modules are based on the same Model used in the in-person events; so generally, the course content is the same. Jump$tart believes that in-person professional development programs are more effective, which is consistent with information we gathered in our 2020 Impact Study. However, we recognize many reasons — COVID-19 restrictions included — that distance learning options are needed and we developed J$FFE Online to be as comprehensive as the in-person Model.
Note that the Saving and Spending module of J$FFE Online was launched as the first distance learning module in September 2020. Other online modules are in development and will be available soon.
FAQs: Organizations
(Individuals, see above.)
How much does it cost to license the J$FFE Model?
Nothing. The Jump$tart Financial Foundations for Educators Model is licensed to qualified organizations at no cost to them.
How long does it take to apply?
Not long. The online application is actually quite short and once we receive it, you should have an answer within 3-4 weeks if you’ve provided all the information we need. What may take some time, however, is planning your event.
What support does Jump$tart provide?
The J$FFE Model is provided as a toolkit, which will give you extensive guidance on conducting your in-person event. Additionally, Jump$tart staff are always happy to answer questions and share insights. The event itself, however, is conducted by your own organization.
Does Jump$tart provide the instructors/presenters?
The J$FFE Model is designed for qualified organizations to utilize local and regional experts and and their own partners. The J$FFE toolkit offers guidance on selecting and vetting instructors/presenters.
How much does it cost to conduct a training event?
The cost will vary greatly, depending on the number of participants, the venue, and many other factors. The J$FFE toolkit will help you to anticipate the costs, but your actual budget will be driven by the circumstances of your event.
My organization is interested, but we don’t want to do this alone. Can multiple organizations apply together?
Yes. In fact, having at least one collaborator is required and having more is preferred. Generally, one organization would apply as the user, but many organizations can share the roles and responsibilities.
Why aren’t corporations and other for-profit businesses allowed to use your Model?
Actually, corporations and for-profit businesses may use the J$FFE Model, along with at least one nonprofit or government collaborator. (Keep in mind that all licensed users are required to have at least one collaborator.)
Once we’re approved, what do we receive?
Once approved as a user, your organization will receive online access to download the entire J$FFE Model as a toolkit.
Are there any limitations as to how we use the Jump$tart Financial Foundations Model or how often we use it?
When you apply, you will agree to the terms of the license, which outlines the privileges and restrictions. Generally, the license gives you access to the J$FFE Model for a full year, which you may use for one or multiple events. We ask users to re-apply each year to ensure that all users are accessing the most updated version of the model. It will remain free.