New Financial Literacy Program Launched in Milwaukee Schools

Students engaged in financial literacy program activity in a classroom setting

News Summary

Milwaukee introduces the 3DE educational program at Bay View High and Marshall High Schools, focusing on enhancing financial literacy among students. Piloted by Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, the initiative encourages real-world applications of financial concepts through collaboration with local business leaders. Despite initial concerns, the program has gained positive reception, fostering student engagement and entrepreneurial skills. With success seen in over 50 schools nationwide, the 3DE program aims to prepare students for future financial challenges while contributing to community development.

Milwaukee has introduced a new educational program called 3DE at Bay View High School and Marshall High School. This innovative initiative aims to enhance financial literacy among students, focusing on real-world applications for financial concepts. The program is being piloted by Junior Achievement of Wisconsin in 2023 and seeks to prepare students for future challenges by developing critical skills necessary for effective financial management.

Executives from local businesses are also participating in the program, collaborating with classroom teachers to deliver the curriculum. Business leaders, such as Laura Rudolph from Mortenson Construction, present real-world problems for students to solve, encouraging them to apply financial concepts in practical scenarios. This collaboration is integral to the 3DE program, fostering a learning environment where students feel a sense of urgency about their education.

Despite initial concerns from some teachers and the principal of Bay View, Jeffery Gaddis, regarding the program’s implementation, it has been well-received, and its impact is already being noted. Students benefit significantly from working closely with volunteer mentors like Bob Landwehr, who assists them in researching cases and preparing presentations for actual businesses. By analyzing data and formulating recommendations, students learn that there may not always be a single correct answer to financial questions.

16-year-old student Braelyn Bryant highlighted his personal growth through the 3DE program. He noted that he has learned to manage his finances effectively and is now considering the implications of his financial decisions. Additionally, he is developing an app to showcase lesser-known Milwaukee landmarks, indicating how the program has ignited his entrepreneurial spirit.

Betsy McGinnity, the 3DE director at Bay View, emphasizes the program’s role in preparing students to become future leaders and changemakers. The initiative aims to instill essential financial literacy skills that can transform students’ lives and positively affect their communities.

Since its inception, the 3DE program has been implemented in over 50 schools nationwide and partnered with prominent companies such as Arby’s, AT&T, and Delta Air Lines. Previous implementations in other educational settings have resulted in reduced chronic absenteeism and improvements in students’ mathematics and reading proficiencies. This proven success further validates the goals of the 3DE program and its significance in enhancing educational outcomes.

Principal Gaddis has observed increased engagement and collaboration among students through the 3DE program compared to traditional teaching methods. By empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their financial futures, the program aligns with Junior Achievement of Wisconsin’s mission to promote early financial literacy. They believe that cultivating these essential skills at a young age will lead to long-lasting benefits for both the student body and the surrounding community in the years to come.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER

MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.

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