University YES Academy Students Improve Financial Literacy Knowledge through Innovative Statewide Program

Administered by teachers in a classroom setting, the web-based course offers over eight hours of programming on a variety of financial topics including credit scores, insurance, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, taxes, stocks, savings, 401(k)s and other critical concepts that map to national financial literacy standards. The platform uniquely tracks the progress and performance of every student.

"Using EverFi has really opened my students' eyes about the importance of financial literacy," said Zuqueta Brown, 10^th Grade Lead and Civics and Economics Teacher, University YES Academy. "The program has inspired them to have discussions at home with their parents, and bring questions to class; both of which have resulted in very rich discussions. The best part of the program is that it's online. I think the use of media has helped them retain more of the information."

"John Hancock has made a truly significant investment in Michigan schools aimed at helping students develop a foundation of financial understanding and capability which is absolutely essential," said EverFi Founder and CEO Tom Davidson. "This program helps to prepare thousands of students across the state with the financial management skills needed to advance their own futures."

John Hancock is committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully navigate the increasingly complex financial world. The company has partnered with EverFi to bring John Hancock Michigan Scholars to local students at no cost to schools or taxpayers. The program began in 13 Michigan schools in 2014 and now is offered in 35 schools, reaching over 1,500 students. The web-based program uses the latest in simulation and gaming technologies to bring complex financial concepts to life for today's digital generation.

"John Hancock is proud to partner with EverFi to help Michigan students enhance their financial capabilities," said Linda Watters, vice president, John Hancock. "It is vitally important for young people to understand how the financial decisions they make today can have a long term impact on their lives. We believe the John Hancock Michigan Scholars program will help prepare these students for a brighter financial future." 

While more states are implementing standards in personal finance, only 17 states require high school students to take a course in personal finance, according to the Council for Economic Education (CEE). John Hancock partners with EverFi to implement John Hancock Michigan Scholars in a co-curricular basis, providing students with the opportunity to develop healthy financial attitudes and behaviors in a classroom setting.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife
John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, our group of companies offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were $904 billion (US $697 billion) as at March 31, 2016. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com

About EverFi
EverFi, Inc. is the leading education technology company focused on teaching, assessing, and certifying K-12 and college students in the critical skills they need for life. The company teams with major corporations and foundations to provide the programs at no cost to K-12 schools. Some of America's leading CEOs and venture capital firms are EverFi investors including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Twitter founder Evan Williams, and Google Chairman Eric Schmidt.  Learn more at everfi.com.

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SOURCE John Hancock Financial

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