Reflection

Reflection on my Social Action Leadership Project

We were not taught financial literacy in school. It takes a lot of work and time to change your thinking and to become financially literate

– Robert Kiyosaki

 

I initiated my research with the question, “Considering past efforts by the public educational system, why has financial education been unable to promote economic mobility within the US?” I ultimately found that financial knowledge is lacking in our school systems, fiscal education leads to decreased debt accumulation, and learning financial responsibility increases people’s capacity to save, and gives individuals increased capabilities to break the cycle of poverty.

Coming from a town where personal finance education was less than adequate and the majority of the students were of low socioeconomic status, I felt I could help my home district while simultaneously pursuing my passion for sharing financial information.

Roadmap:

I became acquainted with “Master Your Card” manager Jimmy Chow. Once establishing my goals for my project, I received training for putting on Financial education presentations.

I contacted Franklin HS administration and staff members to research the best means of facilitating a presentation. I was directed to the head of the financial education department, Justin Miller.

As a backup plan, I made connections with the Youth Council in the district as a means of facilitating my event through their program.

I coordinated with Jimmy Chow at Master Your Card to collect resources for a presentation and shared potential presentation outlines with Justin Miller. Plans were shared with Personal Finance teachers in the school (The Master Your Card program possesses a multitude of connections to NGOs and non-profits involved in the sphere of fiscal education for disadvantaged youth.)

Three of the six personal finance teachers responded positively. We set up plans for virtual presentations to their classes on credit and investing beginning in May. In the meantime, I prepared to conduct a college-level presentation on the same material.

I completed my event “Personal Finance is Fun” with a mediocre turnout. This allowed me to both teach five other college students about fiscal responsibility and helped strengthen my presentation.

 

Analysis of my work thus far

STRENGTHS

In terms of teachable content, I am very well prepared. It is in an easily digestible format and contains the most vital concepts.

WEAKNESSES

Regarding outreach, the presentation I put on for college students did not get as many participants as I imagined it would. If I plan to conduct another college-level workshop, my outreach must be more comprehensive. I will reach out to more organizations and increase my level of social media presence. 

THREATS

With Franklin High School opening back up, there have been a few logistical issues in respect to creating an event for students at the school. At this point in time, however, I have conquered most of these hurdles. I am on track to present to an estimated 80 students.

OPPORTUNITIES

I have established many avenues that I can use to educate young people on various topics of financial education. In the upcoming weeks, I will be presenting to high school students. I will be able to utilize my relationships with Jimmy and school staff for future endeavors, expanding upon the number of students I can reach.