When girls are engaged early on in learning about money -- through coordinated discussions about earning, managing, investing and giving -- they gain powerful tools to shape their own lives as well as the world at large. That's why girls' schools have been pioneers in making financial literacy lessons a part of the core curriculum.
Girls, do you want to be smart about how you manage your hard-earned cash? Well, the first step is knowing where your money goes!
To get started, print out a free copy of our Money $ense Spending Diary and
use it to keep track of everything you purchase for, say, a week. Each
time you buy something, write it down, being sure to include exactly
what you paid. Then, at the end of the week, add up the total... and
think up ways to spend less and save more!
Archer's definition of financial independence includes, beyond issues of money, how girls represent themselves and their skills to the world, how women are treated as consumers or even as commodities, and how girls can learn to see themselves...
Archer School: Beyond Simple Definitions
Archer's definition of financial independence includes, beyond issues of money, how girls represent themselves and their skills to the world, how women are treated as consumers or even as commodities, and how girls can learn to see themselves as business people and entrepreneurs.
Program highlights include:
Faculty Training: Archer faculty work with a Certified Financial Planner to improve their own personal planning and help them bring new confidence into the classroom.
Bank of Archer: Students learn personal finance, including managing a checking account, saving and budgeting, and taxation. Math teachers follow a financial scope and sequence of skills through Middle School into Upper School.
6th-12th Curriculum: Teachers in all the disciplines and grades work with students in the classroom in many different ways. Ninth graders learn the history of money and study ancient economies. Tenth graders analyze the strategies advertisers employ to persuade consumers to spend, including commercial images of gender. Ninth and tenth grade students also buy a car or rent or buy a home on a limited budget. Eleventh graders learn how to write a resume, how to present themselves in interviews, and how to handle credit cards and debt. By senior year each Archer girl directly applies her financial skills as she prepares for the world of college and independence from home.
Professional Experiences: Students are introduced to various professional fields through the school's Career Day. Over 100 worksites throughout Los Angeles are opened to students who shadow professionals and engage in hands-on activities related to the field. Students and alumnae interested in internships and mentorships are assisted through a referral program.
Student Store: Students of every grade can participate in managing the store and associated café in many capacities. Eleventh and twelfth graders have reached top management positions and are running the business. The Store, via its Board (students), donates a percentage of the store's profits back to the Archer community in the form of financial aid, and gives as well to the broader urban community.
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The Paycheck Project at Holton-Arms
Eighth graders at the Holton-Arms School participate in The Paycheck Project. Each student receives a job description and a matching salary. She then learns to live on a budget according to her income. Students pay taxes, purchase health insu...
The Paycheck Project at Holton-Arms
Eighth graders at the Holton-Arms School participate in The Paycheck Project. Each student receives a job description and a matching salary. She then learns to live on a budget according to her income. Students pay taxes, purchase health insurance, rent an apartment, furnish it and budget household and food expenses.
At each step, the student makes a budget to show her expenses and remaining funds. Students receive pertinent information about Social Security, minimum wage and equity in earning. They also have "fate cards" which insert financial dynamics they must accommodation. Students learn mini lessons that involve fund raising, the Stock Market game, global standards of living, impact of advertising, the federal budget, working class issues, etc.
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By My Own Merit at St. Mary's Episcopal
By My Own Merit is designed to teach young women about economic literacy and financial independence. The one-day, free program is held at the school and brings a diverse group of girls together from private and public schools. The program is ...
By My Own Merit at St. Mary's Episcopal
By My Own Merit is designed to teach young women about economic literacy and financial independence. The one-day, free program is held at the school and brings a diverse group of girls together from private and public schools. The program is designed to give girls a better understanding of a budget and the reality of income versus expenses.
Participants play the game Reality Bytes: Personal Finance in the Real World, in which they find an appealing place to live, decide what kind of car they would like to drive then take a look at salary and see if needs, wants, plans for the future add up to a balanced budget. The program was created with a grant from the Women's Foundation for Greater Memphis and in partnership with Independent Bank. Successful businesswomen (including school alumnae) serve as workshop mentors.
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The Brearley School
For one month each spring, lower school students at the Brearley School play The Economics Game. Each student gets a paper weekly salary of $7.50. They must take into account taxes, fixed expenses (such as chair, desk, locker rental) and food...
The Brearley School
For one month each spring, lower school students at the Brearley School play The Economics Game. Each student gets a paper weekly salary of $7.50. They must take into account taxes, fixed expenses (such as chair, desk, locker rental) and food costs. Optional expenses, for instance, might include health insurance (a trip to the nurse costs $1.00).
Inevitably the girls realize that their financial resources are limiting and they seek other forms of revenue to cover their expenses that lead to establishing in class businesses (selling decorated school pencils, hand-made stationary, massages). Girls learn the downside of being successful (market demand and production issues) and, on the upside, how to invest their money (savings, start a mock portfolio).
Today, financial literacy has become a nationwide priority, and numerous orhanizations exist to address this crucial topic. Click on the link below for a list of website offering fin-lit education, resources and fun-and-games.
Financial Literacy for Girls
