MassMutual Foundation, Washington Wizards, and EVERFI Team Up to Bring FutureSmart Challenge to Nearly 2,000 DC-area Students

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- EVERFI, an education technology company that works with learners of all ages, issued the following news release on Jan. 9:

The MassMutual Foundation, Washington Wizards, and EVERFI, Inc., the leading social impact education innovator, hosted nearly 2,000 middle school students from across the greater Washington area at Capital One Arena for the FutureSmart Challenge. The culmination of in-classroom learning is part of the MassMutual Foundation's FutureSmart program. The FutureSmart Challenge is an interactive event that reinforces financial literacy and money management skills in an engaging environment.

Today's event featured an opportunity to hear from award-winning actor and best-selling author Hill Harper, who discussed the importance of smart money management, why higher education is essential to future financial success, and the difference between "smart money" and "dumb money." Washington Wizards legend Gheorghe Muresan, The 202 Crew Dunk Team, and the Wizards Dance Team were also in attendance to entertain the students throughout the event. Washington is the first stop on the 2019-2020 multi-city tour of MassMutual Foundation's FutureSmart Challenge.

"Bringing financial concepts to life in an interactive and engaging manner like we do with the FutureSmart Challenge, and engaging directly with the students who take our course, is some of our most important work as we strive to help build stronger, more financially sound communities around the country," said Dennis Duquette, president, MassMutual Foundation. "We know that financial education is key to a successful future and FutureSmart is more than just a digital course or educational curriculum, it's an experience that helps prepare young people to make smart life choices and build good financial habits early on."

Since 2014, more than 1.7 million students have benefited from the FutureSmart program, a nationwide initiative that brings critical financial education to middle school students -- providing them the opportunity to learn about smart educational and financial choices. An online education program for students delivered by EVERFI in schools across the U.S., the program is on track to reach 2 million students nationwide before the end of the 2019-20 school year.

"Only 32 percent of high school students feel prepared to check and understand credit scores so the chance to educate students on financial education while still in middle school - an important time for positive habits to take form and grow - is key to future success," said Ray Martinez, co-founder and president, Financial Education, EVERFI. "Being able to provide educators with a digital platform that meets students where they are in a manner that is engaging to them is so important but it's really exciting for us to see strategic partners like MassMutual bring the curriculum to life outside the classroom as well."

The FutureSmart program has had a major impact on students in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

* Across the D.C., MD, and VA regions, more than 137,000 students have engaged in the FutureSmart program.

* On average, there has been an increase of 75 percent on students' scores about financial literacy after program completion.

* Additionally, an average of 88 percent of local FutureSmart students talked to their parents about financial decisions after taking the course.

"We are proud to partner with MassMutual to bring a fantastic event to the youth of Greater Washington," said Patrick Duffy, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships. "The Wizards are committed to being a leader within the community and we are excited to deliver a fantastic education-based program at Capital One Arena."

For more information on the FutureSmart Program, please visit the website here: https://futuresmart.massmutual.com/.

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About EVERFI

EVERFI is an international technology company driving social change through education to address the most challenging issues affecting society ranging from financial wellness to prescription drug safety to workplace conduct and other critical topics. Founded in 2008, EVERFI is fueled by its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) community engagement platform and has reached more than 30 million learners globally. EVERFI powers community engagement in a sustained manner to empower individuals and organizations to make an impact within their communities. The Company also convenes Networks to bring together financial institutions, colleges and universities, and some of the largest corporations to leverage insights and connections to drive impact. Some of America's leading CEOs and venture capital firms are EVERFI investors including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, Twitter founder Evan Williams, Advance Publications, Rethink Education, and Rethink Impact. To learn more about EVERFI visit everfi.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter @EVERFI.

About MassMutual Foundation

The MassMutual Foundation, Inc. is a dedicated corporate foundation established by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). The MassMutual Foundation activates connections and untapped opportunities within communities, so that all families can build their financial capability and thrive. In support of this mission, the Foundation develops partnerships and provides grants in support of our signature programs. The Foundation also supports anchor institutions in the communities where MassMutual operates.

To learn more about the MassMutual Foundation please visit https://www.massmutual.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility/foundation.

About Washington Wizards

The NBA's Washington Wizards are owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which is one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment companies in the country with one of the most diverse partnership groups in all of sports. The company also owns and operates the NHL's Washington Capitals, the WNBA's Washington Mystics, NBA 2K League's Wizards District Gaming, as well as Capital One Arena, the premier sports and entertainment venue in Washington, D.C. Monumental Sports & Entertainment is also co-owner of aXiomatic, which has controlling interest in global esports franchise Team Liquid, and oversees the management of MedStar Capitals Iceplex-the training facility for the Washington Capitals-and the Eagle Bank arena at George Mason University.