54% of Michigan teens say they feel unprepared to finance their future. Source: Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, 2024
68% of teens said they would enroll in a financial literacy course if it were offered, but only 31% actually have access to one in their schools. Source: Junior Achievement of Michigan Great Lakes, 2024
Top areas teens want more education in:
39% want guidance on student loans
38% want to understand how education ties to future jobs
32% want to learn about alternatives to reduce college costs
Source: Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, 2024
Many inner-city communities face overlapping challenges that directly affect youth and families:
High poverty and unemployment rates - limited career opportunities
Low financial literacy - cycles of debt and poor money management
Single-parent households and lack of mentors - less support and guidance
High crime and violence rates - unsafe environments for growth
School dropout rates - fewer pathways to higher education or careers
Exposure to drugs, alcohol, and negative influences - risky behaviors
Mental and emotional stress - low self-esteem, confidence, and hope
How We’re Supporting Teachers and Students
Through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and workforce readiness education, we address these problems head-on by:
Teaching students how to manage money wisely and break cycles of poverty
Building leadership and confidence so they see themselves as capable and worthy
Providing entrepreneurship skills to create opportunities instead of waiting for them
Preparing students for the workforce with job readiness training
Creating positive role models and mentors who reinforce discipline and resilience
Fostering a community mindset of giving back to uplift future generations
By blending real-world application with academic standards, our Money Games program not only addresses inner-city challenges but also strengthens what students are already expected to master in school.
Connection to Common Core Standards
Our program aligns with and supports Common Core State Standards (CCSS), especially in:
Mathematics:
Ratios, percentages, and proportional reasoning (budgeting, investing, interest rates)
Algebraic thinking (business profit/loss, goal setting, problem solving)
Data analysis (tracking spending, reading charts/graphs in finance)
English Language Arts (ELA):
Reading informational texts (financial documents, articles on entrepreneurship)
Writing (resumes, business plans, reflective journaling)
Speaking and listening (public speaking, interviews, teamwork, presentations)
Critical thinking and problem solving through discussions and projects
