Teach them young – Junior Achievement and USM team up to train students on the business of life

(October 12, 2017 – BALTIMORE, Md.) – More than 130 students participated in an interactive program on how to succeed in a changing economy as part of a Junior Achievement of Central Maryland Inc. initiative.

The program presented the Patterson High School students with lifestyle scenarios including marital status, number of children, employment and income. The students then had to manage a budget while cycling through 17 workshop stations consisting of transportation, housing, insurance, education, entertainment, savings and more.

“This program is significant because it gives students a greater understanding of what factors will affect how they manage their future budgets,” said Jennifer Bodensiek, president & CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Maryland. “I’m glad that these students were able to experience this program with the help of volunteers from the University System of Maryland, who share the same mindset of making Maryland an economic and education leader.”

Volunteers from the University System of Maryland, another MDCC member, ran the stations as part of the annual Governor’s Day of Service. USM Chancellor Robert Caret was ready to guide the high school students through each session.

“I’m delighted the University System of Maryland chose to partner with Junior Achievement of Central Maryland and Patterson High School for our Governor’s Day to Serve event,” said Caret. “As a first-generation college student myself, I welcomed the opportunity to work with USM volunteers in conveying the economic value of a college education and why students should learn critical personal finance skills. When young people take these steps early in life, their futures hold much more promise.”

The Patterson High School students finished the program with a deeper understanding of how career, education, and spending choices will have a direct impact on their future success.

“Seeing what I pay in taxes was the most surprising, but it’s helpful to know when I get my first job to know what to expect,” said Desmond, an 11th grader.

Junior Achievement is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young people to succeed in a rapidly changing economy.