Sacramento high school students are getting a crash course in real-life money management skills. On Wednesday, nearly 200 juniors and seniors from Sacramento Charter High School participated in the Financial Wellness Challenge hosted by the Golden 1 Credit Union, Saint Hope Public Schools, and Franklin Templeton Investments.
During the workshop, each student was given a unique identity with a specific profession, lifestyle, and list of expenses. These included child care, housing, transportation, and food. The students were tasked with staying on budget, even when various hardships were introduced.
Initially, I thought it was just another financial literacy event,” said high school junior Jordan Collins.
Students navigate financial decision-making
“But as you start participating, you realize it’s much more.
You also start to understand that this will be our future someday.”
Organizers said the workshop teaches some concepts required for future students. A semester-long personal finance education course will be available for all high school students in the state by the 2027-28 school year. Personal finance will become a graduation requirement starting with the 2030-31 graduating class.
Golden 1 Credit Union accepts applications from high schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations interested in participating in the Financial Wellness Challenge. Interested organizations can email [email protected]. The introduction of mandatory financial literacy courses in California high schools represents a significant step towards better-preparing students for the financial challenges of adulthood.
With the support of banks, credit unions, and innovative educators, students are gaining the knowledge and skills they need to navigate their financial futures successfully.
Photo by Kaboompics.com on Pexels