In a unique educational initiative, tenth-grade students from Lenoir County Early College High School recently led financial literacy workshops for younger children at Northwest Elementary. These high schoolers were tasked with breaking down complex economic concepts into engaging and relatable lessons for second- and third-grade students. Under the guidance of their teacher, Travis Towne, the teens developed interactive modules on topics like borrowing, lending, budgeting, and saving.
The sessions were designed to be both informative and entertaining, using real-life scenarios that children could easily understand. For instance, during a lesson on loans, students acted out situations such as lending money for an ice cream cone or sharing a drink with a friend. A game involving Monopoly money helped reinforce the idea of giving and receiving funds, with a spinning wheel deciding who would borrow or lend during each round. After repaying debts, participants received a fresh set of play cash to continue learning about responsible financial behavior.
As the program progressed, students were introduced to the concept of budgeting by distinguishing between needs and wants. In one exercise, they were given a hypothetical sum of money and asked to decide how to spend it—choosing between items like books, clothes, or electronics. Some children even demonstrated early wisdom in financial decision-making by opting for essential items over costly gadgets. Another session focused on the value of patience and saving, where kids had the choice to either spend a small amount immediately or wait for a larger reward later. Over time, more students chose to delay gratification, showing an emerging understanding of savings and long-term gain.
These efforts highlight the importance of introducing financial education at an early age, especially in communities where such knowledge may not be readily available at home. By empowering young learners with basic economic principles, educators aim to equip them with the tools needed to make smart financial decisions in the future. The collaboration between high school mentors and elementary students also fosters leadership skills and reinforces the idea that learning is most impactful when shared. Through programs like these, schools are planting seeds of financial responsibility that can grow into lifelong habits of thoughtful money management.
In recent years, financial education has gained momentum in high schools across Illinois, with educators and nonprofit organizations working to equip students with essential money management skills. One such advocate is Erica Wax, a former bankruptcy attorney who now leads CARE Chicago, a local chapter of a national initiative focused on teaching young people about personal finance. Her experiences in the classroom reflect a growing curiosity among teens eager to understand topics like credit, loans, and budgeting.
The state of Illinois has taken significant steps to integrate financial literacy into its educational framework, recently joining a growing list of states that mandate some form of financial education for high school students. Under new guidelines, this subject is embedded within social science curricula, allowing flexibility in how it’s taught—whether as part of math classes or through dedicated coursework. In 2023, Illinois earned a “B” on a national assessment of financial education standards, signaling progress while highlighting room for improvement.
Chicago Public Schools have implemented a multi-year learning plan called “EmpowerED,” which outlines a comprehensive approach to financial education covering everything from banking and insurance to investing and consumer rights. Additionally, partnerships with institutions like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange are expanding access to practical financial knowledge. Despite these efforts, experts like Vince Shorb of the National Financial Educators Council argue that current programs remain insufficient, urging more immersive and engaging approaches tailored to real-life decisions students will soon face.
Financial education is not just about numbers—it's about empowerment. By arming young adults with the tools to make informed economic choices, society fosters a generation capable of navigating complex financial landscapes with confidence and caution. As Illinois continues to refine its approach, the goal remains clear: to ensure every student graduates with the knowledge necessary to build a secure and responsible financial future.
A growing number of high school students across the United States are expressing a strong desire to learn about personal finance, yet many still lack access to proper educational tools. Despite 95% of surveyed students receiving some form of financial education and finding it beneficial, open discussions with parents on the subject remain rare. Many young people attempt to initiate money-related conversations, but discomfort or lack of knowledge on the part of parents often hinders progress. This aligns with broader national findings that show only a small percentage of adults can pass even basic financial literacy assessments.
Students have shown particular interest in understanding key financial instruments such as stocks and bonds, retirement planning, and taxation—areas where confusion remains high. Among their top concerns are learning how to save effectively, avoid debt, and build wealth over time. While many teens are turning to online platforms and social media for guidance, a significant portion admits difficulty distinguishing trustworthy advice from misleading content. This highlights an urgent need for structured, reliable instruction within academic settings.
To address this gap, Intuit launched a comprehensive, no-cost educational initiative offering hundreds of hours of curriculum tailored for both individual and innovative finance learning. Designed to be flexible for educators, the program allows teachers to integrate materials into full courses or use them selectively during relevant times, like tax season. The goal is not only to equip students with practical skills but also to help them confidently navigate complex financial terminology and concepts, empowering them to make informed decisions early in life.
As awareness grows around the importance of economic understanding, schools are being called upon to fill the void left by inconsistent home discussions and unreliable digital sources. Providing young people with solid financial foundations can lead to more responsible decision-making, greater independence, and long-term stability. Equipping students with the language and tools of finance today may very well shape a future generation of informed, capable, and empowered citizens ready to take control of their economic destinies.