RALEIGH - The AARP has announced a pilot program with Shaw University's Divinity School to promote financial literacy. James Dotson, AARP Manager of Multicultural Markets, says by putting finance material into mandatory Church Administration courses at Shaw, students will be able to teach financial literacy to the churches they move to.

"Beginning in the Fall, a unit within that Church Administration course will be a financial literacy program which will utilize AARP resources," Dotson says.

Once students have their financial literacy training, Dotson says, they'll be able to spread it to their congregation when they become pastors out of the Divinity School.

"The goal is to both make an impact in the lives of the students and help them to understand how to have a solid financial plan for themselves and their church," Dotson says.

According to Dotson, the program is part of the organization's efforts of partnering with faith-based groups to promote social programs.

"Shaw is an excellent partner with us in terms of working towards the shared goal of improving financial literacy within the African-American/Black community," he says.

The AARP is planning other initiatives, such as informational videos around financial management and having professors at Shaw write about the importance of financial literacy.

"They will also coordinate retirement forums on planning for retirement for young adults aged 18-40 as well as sessions for those 40 and older using AARP financial freedom materials," he says.

Dotson also says the AARP will be going directly to 20 local churches to talk about this issue.