Hands-On Financial Literacy Program

JA Mobile Finance Park, sponsored by Capital One, gives middle and high school students the opportunity to learn how to handle their finances and balance a budget.  Teachers present 19 hours of curriculum before the students visit the simulation.  This curriculum teaches the students about salaries, taxes, budgeting, investing, saving and supporting a household on a limited income.  These lessons support many of the required TEKS as well as giving students first-hand, applied opportunities to use math, reading and language arts. 

Budgeting for Success!

As our time with the Capital One/JA Mobile Finance Park came to an end on June 3rd, we were already looking ahead for ways to make the experience bigger and better for next year!

We were pleased to welcome students from six area school districts for a day-long experience as money-managing adults. Here is what students had to say after their Finance Park experience:

•  Life is not cheap.

•  I learned that parents go through a lot, and not to ask for expensive stuff.

•  I learned that budgeting is harder than it seems.

•  What I learned today, I actually think I could help my mom now.

•  Now I am ready for the future!

Teachers expressed how pleased they were with the in-school curriculum, and praised their students' focus and determination to accomplish the day's goal of a balanced budget. Here is what a few of our educators had to say:

•  The JA experience was more realistic and exciting than I could have ever

    imagined. My students will remember this day for the rest of their lives.

•  They are thinking longer term at this point and asking what is truly necessary

    and what is simply a want!

•  Thank you so much for not only the opportunity to teach these kids an

    important lesson, but to have them experience the importance of it.

We would like to thank all of the outstanding Capital One volunteers for their commitment to the success of this program. In just one month's time, we accomplished so much and are looking forward to the progression of Finance Park for next year!