Treasurer Sprague Announces January 2022 Compass Award Honorees

COLUMBUS – Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague has announced Compass Award honorees for the month of January. The monthly recognition program commends organizations, programs, and individuals across the state who are working to guide Ohioans toward financial literacy education and empowerment.

“Pursuing a path toward financial literacy builds confidence and allows people to better steer themselves toward financial well-being,” said Treasurer Sprague. “We’re proud to recognize the great work of the many individuals and organizations across the state who are using innovative and experience-based methods to instill Ohioans with the knowledge needed to succeed in today’s workforce.”

Compass Award honorees for January include:

Scott Langford, Teacher at The Wellington School (Franklin County)

As a sixth-grade math teacher, Langford created financial literacy curriculum where students are given a $3,600 monthly budget to cover life’s common expenses, such as housing and emergencies. Students must then make decisions related to investing and growing their money through the stock market. As part of the simulation, students use other math-related principals, such as graphing, to analyze their decision-making. 

Southern Perry Incubation Center for Entrepreneurs (Perry County)

In 2020, the Southern Perry Incubation Center for Entrepreneurs started the Somerset Pop-Up Business Competition, which provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to create and present a meaningful business plan. Contestants receive lessons from local entrepreneurs in accounting, financial management, taxes, insurance, marketing, and other business-related topics. Following the lessons, each contestant must provide an hour-long business presentation. Each winner receives $1,500 in grant funding. 

Upper Sandusky High School (Wyandot County)

Upper Sandusky High School provides a variety of opportunities for students to prepare for their financial future, including general courses on business, college and careers, finance, and accounting.  Additionally, juniors attend a semester-long course that focuses on personal finance and careers by providing instruction on standard money management and income principles.  During the course, students also experience simulation-type learning programs, interact with area employers, and receive work-based learning opportunities.

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Robert Sprague became Ohio’s 49th Treasurer of State on January 14, 2019, bringing to the office his extensive experience working on financial matters in both the public and private sectors. Under Treasurer Sprague’s direction, the office manages the state’s $39 billion investment and $11 billion debt portfolios, collects and deposits all state revenues, and oversees custodial assets.