We recently applauded the efforts of an initiative to bring financial literacy to adults by way of helping them understand their credit scores. We extend that tip of the hat to the Watson Chapel School District for pushing money literacy into the classroom.
New Watson Chapel Superintendent Keith McGee announced recently that the district had created a partnership with Junior Achievement of Arkansas, which will aid the district in teaching financial literacy and keys to entrepreneurship to students from kindergarten through senior high.
“Kids cannot be what they cannot see,” McGee said. “We’re going to live up to our vision: preparing students today for tomorrow’s opportunities.”
The outfit’s website tells a convincing story of explaining that what it does adds greatly to the lives of the young.
“Junior Achievement’s proven lessons on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship are shown to positively impact the lives of young people,” states the organization. “These lessons align with national and state educational standards and are delivered to millions of students across the country with the help of our education partners and volunteers from the local community.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Research shows that JA Alumni are more likely to have a college degree, feel confident managing money, have career success, and have started a business as an adult.”
To that, wow!
And to that end, McGee said, local businesses are on board with helping students understand financial concepts and learn about different occupations. Think career exploration, internships and apprenticeships.
“The partnership is going to be great for the Watson Chapel School District,” said Junior Achievement’s Oscar Fuller. “We’ve been trying for about three years now to partner with Watson Chapel, and it’s going to provide career development and other opportunities for our students K-12. It’s also going to provide financial literacy.”
These advancements – both the one for adults and now this one – will add a great deal to what individuals are aware of when it comes to the acknowledgement of money growth and its potential. Without such knowledge, as McGee said, students, particularly, don’t know what they don’t know. But with that knowledge, they are armed to take on the world in a way that has not been – but should be – taught in school. And now it will be.