Dozens of teenagers spent their Saturday morning learning about money – and how to take care of it.
Through a program sponsored by the Cultivated Pearls of Southeast Georgia and the Nu Rho Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, nearly 100 teens found out what it is like to pay bills and pay taxes.
It was the first “I Can’t Wait to Grow Up” teen summit held by the groups and it took place at Snelson-Golden Middle School.
The teens took classes on budgeting, credit cards, and health. They each were given $2,400 from the programs bank to spend on items such as medical care, utilities and rent. The aim, Dr. Aurelia Moore said, is to build economic wealth in the community, beginning with the youth.
“They’re learning about investing, they’re learning how to budget, they’re learning about credit and how it affects your ability to buy a home or a car,” she said. “They are learning about credit cards.”
The effort was a result of AKA’s international initiative to build wealth across the world.
“Building wealth does not start when you are an adult,” Dr. Moore said. “Life teaches us along the way. We want to make sure our youth are educated now so that when they grow up, they can have somewhat of a foundation to make better choices.”
The teens who took part said they learned plenty and the program made an impression on them.
“I’ve learned about budgeting, a good credit scores, what it’s like to pay taxes, what to expect as I grow up,” said Jemma Case, a 15-year-old student at Liberty County High School. “I definitely learned more. I am taking away the importance of saving money because I like to spend money.”
Students were given a swag bag and a schedule of each station they had to visit. They were given instructions on life events, such as paying or a mortgage or paying a hospital visit co-payment. For instance, one of the life events said they are being discharged from the hospital but had to pay a $500 co-pay before being discharged.
“This teaches them to budget,” Dr. Moore said. “Each time they spend, they have to record it. Each time they receive, they have to record it.”
David Bacon, who is 16 years old, finished with $1,800.
“I’m good about saving,” he said. “I learned that from my momma.”
Bacon said he learned more about finances and how properly to save his money, along with information on mental health.
“I walked away with learning how to properly place my money into different things,” he said. “It’s good to have a place to learn and build our knowledge and put it into real-life situations.”
Moore said they hope to do something later in the year for young adults.
—Lewis Levine
