Debtscape is committed to empowering consumers by providing the educational resources necessary to successfully navigate our ever-changing economy. The Outreach Services Division offers a variety of complementary programs designed for students and for the adult community. These programs are intended to promote a greater understanding of the credit industry and to foster healthy attitudes towards spending and saving.

In the schools…

The focus of our school programs is preventative education. Today's youth are graduating High School at a great disadvantage. While classical education skills such as chemistry and calculus are covered, basic financial literacy is overlooked. Additionally, most parents feel uncomfortable discussing money matters with their children and wish to shield them from this difficult subject. Our young adults enter college and the work force as bait amongst a turbulent sea fraught with predatory lenders.

Students are introduced to the "real world" concepts of money, credit, and debt. The fantasy of a credit card as "free money" is dispelled by connecting the reality of "spending other people's money" with loss of personal freedom. In essence, a person in debt is a prisoner. Students are provided with a no-nonsense explanation of how credit works, how to make it work for them, and how to avoid the clutches of financial hardship and indebtedness. Furthermore, Debtscape emphasizes the importance of viewing money as something to be saved, spent, and shared, as opposed to just an avenue for consumers to "get whatever they want."

With early intervention, Debtscape hopes to equip today's youth with the necessary tools to build a foundation for a healthy financial future. With proper instruction and encouragement, we can teach our students to become fiscally responsible adults.

To bring Debtscape's programs to your school, call 1-888-929-3328 extension 181 or 146, or email outreachservices@debtscape.org.

In the community…

The focus of our community programs is two-fold: Continuing Education and Reconstructive Education. The programs are tailored to meet the needs of each specific organization.

Continuing Education programs are offered to any professional, social, or religious organization. Typically, audiences have a basic to intermediate understanding of the issues surrounding money, credit and debt and the goal is to enhance the existing knowledge base and address specific topics of interest for the organization.

The Reconstructive Education programs we offer are designed to augment the life skills services offered at Recovery Centers and Transitional Facilities. Adults who have suffered from addiction, abuse, and homelessness often need to re-learn basic skills and children with parents in those situations often have not been exposed to these concepts at all. Our programs are developed with the assistance of the center program directors and the needs of each facility are of paramount importance.

If you would like to speak with an Outreach Services Representative about your organization, please call 1-888-929-3328 extension 181 or 146, or email outreachservices@debtscape.org.