Teaching money management skills to youth with the High School Financial Planning Program

The High School Financial Planning Program is a tool used to teach basic financial literacy concepts to youth in grades 8-12.

According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, a 2017 study indicated 22 percent of U.S. teenage students lack basic financial literacy skills. Michigan State University Extension believes money management skills are important. Through the Michigan 4-H Youth Development program, MSU Extension focuses on youth financial literacy and money management to teach youth how to earn, save and invest their money.

In 2017, more than 2,100 people were engaged in 123 workshops addressing youth financial literacy. These programs worked towards the following outcomes:

  • Youth participants have a basic understanding of financial management.
  • Youth participants plan to apply the financial skills learned to their everyday lives.
  • Adult participants are trained to utilize youth financial literacy curriculum.
  • Adult participants teach financial literacy concepts.

More than 100 adults were trained in topics connected to financial literacy for youth across the state including using the Youth Business Guide to Success curriculum, the National Endowment for Financial Education’s High School Financial Planning Program curriculum and 4-H money management curriculum and tools. For the three National Endowment for Financial Education’s High School Financial Planning Program trainings held for adults in 2017, there was a 93-100 percent registration success rate on the High School Financial Planning Program website where registrants download and order the free curriculum. Michigan is a leader in this area and is often the model for other states.

We will be training another group of adults at the NEFE High School Financial Planning Program Instructor Training on March 23, 2018, in Hastings, Michigan, who want to use the High School Financial Planning Program curriculum with young people. At this training, you will:

  • Be introduced to all program materials.
  • Explore the High School Financial Planning Program lessons that include money management, borrowing, earning potential, investing, financial services and insurance.
  • Gain confidence in teaching the program.
  • Learn how to add value to student learning.
  • Find out how to get your free classroom materials.

If this training would benefit you and youth that you may work with, we would enjoy having you join us in Hastings. The training is free and includes materials, refreshments and lunch. The registration deadline is March 19.

Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives. 

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