Mount Morris 8th grade students recently took part in Junior Achievement’s JA Finance Park®, a capstone program designed to teach personal financial planning and career exploration. This hands-on experience provided students with a foundation for making intelligent financial decisions that will last a lifetime. Throughout the day, students learned about crucial financial topics such as income, expenses, savings, and credit.
The program immersed students in real-world financial scenarios, allowing them to engage with volunteers from various local businesses. They participated in discussions about taxes, utility expenses, and the different types of insurance they will need as adults. The highlight of the experience was when students had the opportunity to put their learning into practice by developing a personal budget.
After working through their budgets, students had the chance to "shop" for essential life items, including housing, transportation, and leisure activities. This activity gave them insight into the costs associated with independent living and tested their ability to estimate expenses within their assigned income levels.
Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Mr. Comstock reflected on the experience, saying, "Students were really engaged throughout the entire day, and it was fun to listen to conversations when they realized how expensive the real world is. Each student was randomly assigned a life scenario with a monthly income, and they worked really hard to fit everything into their personal budget. I thought the trip was a big success, and I cannot wait to go back next year."
JA Finance Park® provided students with a valuable opportunity to apply financial concepts in a meaningful way, helping to prepare them for the financial realities of adulthood. The experience left a lasting impression, and students walked away with a greater appreciation for financial responsibility.