The majority of Partnership Scholars will go on to a four-year college, where they will be offered scholarships and large loans, some subsidized and some un-subsidized, to finance their first degree. In recent Ukiah mentor meetings, mentors discussed their concerns that their scholars weren’t prepared for the complexities of handling money and saving, so the idea for a workshop sprouted. Ukiah mentor Brook Gamble reached out to a friend who provides financial wellness content online and the friend, Greg Gates, agreed to tailor a financial workshop “#MoneyWoke” for a dozen Partnership Scholars in grades 7-12 on April 7, 2018. Read on to learn more about the creative learning that took place in this workshop.

“Do you remember back in middle school and high school, when there was a unique portion of the curriculum that was spent every year teaching us some really helpful topics? Some of the lessons were about understanding bank accounts, and learning how to track and budget our earnings, spending, and saving. Other classes were about learning the differences in types of student debt, how to pay taxes, dealing with credit cards, learning responsible ways of investing, and learning how to earn money by starting side hustles, to get things we want now” inquires Greg Gates, the workshop facilitator, in a letter to mentors. The answer is a resounding NO. No one routinely receives that sort of education to prepare them for the realities of financing a college degree (or three), setting up a first home away from family, and building savings.

The four-hour workshop was activity and example based, with juggling balls as metaphors, literal shared safety nets to demonstrate equity, trading cards, towers of pennies, and door prizes for every participant donated from local businesses. Greg shared responsible financial ideas, like building up a cash stronghold for emergencies and unique opportunities, tricks to saving for priorities like college, debt and loan management, the power of compound interest, and the importance of healthy ongoing money habits. In a series of exercises designed to get everyone comfortably talking, he identified the financial priorities of the attending scholars and shared the best ways to build good spending habits and build financial security.

Thanks to local Ukiah businesses Black Oak Coffee, Jax, Pryse, Smoothies Galore, and The Royal Barbershop for their generous donations.

Follow Greg Gates @GregChatsCash on SnapChat, Instagram, & Twitter