Junior Achievement Finance Park Hosts Horace Mann Middle School After-school Program

Monday June 06, 2011

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On March 29, 2011, 52 students from YWCA Greater Los Angeles' After-School program at Horace Mann Middle School went to Junior Achievement's Finance Park. Junior Achievement Finance Park is a reality-based learning environment. It provides an opportunity to participate in a personal financial budget challenge by giving participants a profile. The profile gives information such as annual salary, career, marital status, and number of children in the family. With the information provided, students must successfully budget their monthly expenses. Volunteers from local businesses assisted the youth throughout the program. This gave students the opportunity to "network" with individuals in many career disciplines.

The experience also builds upon math skills that provide youth the opportunity to put skills learned in the classroom to real life practices. The YWCA staff collaborated with school administration to provide a fun filled day of learning and career exploration. Students were excused from class to attend the field trip. School administration agreed that this trip would provide an excellent experience for youth to practice what they learn in the classroom.

Willie, a student at Horace Mann Middle School, successfully finished the challenge and was a top five winner. Willie's math teacher informed YWCA staff that Willie did not like math and would avoid attending class. However, after the trip to Finance Park and support from YWCA staff, Willie is motivated to attend math class and complete assignments. Many Horace Mann teachers expressed to YWCA staff how excited the youth were to tell them about their experiences.

With the assistance of Junior Achievement Finance Park and Horace Mann Middle School, the YWCA was successful in providing a learning experience in financial literacy for youth.

 

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