‘Money Matters’ Intended To Help Students Better Understand the Importance of Making Informed College-Related Financial Decisions
San Rafael, Calif. (September 24, 2024) – 10,000 Degrees (an organization dedicated to unlocking student success at scale by giving more students equitable opportunities for a quality college education and career success) will host ‘Money Matters,’ an interactive financial literacy curriculum designed by 10,000 Degrees for students at Napa High School on Tuesday, October 8. ‘Money Matters’ at Napa High School is part of a series that 10,000 Degrees is hosting at 18 of their partner schools across the Bay Area this academic year.
Napa High School students participating in ‘Money Matters’ workshops will have the opportunity to juggle hypothetical budgets and pricing options for college-related expenses (including books, transportation, computer, and housing). During the workshops, students will rotate between nine stations facilitated by 10,000 Degrees staff and volunteers, and will be challenged to make difficult budgeting decisions, including being encouraged to spend more than they should on products and services they may or may not need. The objective of the ‘Money Matters’ workshops is for students to leave with a better understanding of their college financial aid options, and a realization that post- secondary education can be affordable.
‘Money Matters’ Objectives:
- Students learn through their decision-making that college is possible and affordable by accessing free financial aid and making thoughtful and informed choices about where to spend their money.
- Students grow their advocacy skills by discovering what steps they need to take to find additional financial resources.
- Students learn the importance of submitting a financial aid application (FAFSA/CADAA).
- Students begin to understand college-related expenses and how financial aid plays a role in reducing out-of-pocket costs.
- Students begin building relationships with 10,000 Degrees staff and learn about 10,000 Degrees programs, services, and resources offered at their campus.
- Students receive information about scholarships, administered by 10,000 Degrees.
“10,000 Degrees is committed to helping students enter and graduate from college. However, transitioning from high school to college is not easy for many students, especially for first-generation
college students. ‘Money Matters’ will provide students with hands-on experience that will help them understand the importance of making smart financial decisions as they prepare to enter college,” said Maria Hernandez, senior manager, program operations at 10,000 Degrees. “We would also like to thank our corporate volunteers, whose expertise and contributions – alongside that of our dedicated staff – will help make this important learning experience a complete success.”
Community Support
10,000 Degrees will work with corporate partner volunteers at each workshop, including many in the financial sector. Volunteers scheduled to attend the workshops come from companies such as Kaiser Permanente, Poppy Bank, Redwood Credit Union, Silicon Valley Bank, and West America Bank.
Corporate partner volunteers and 10,000 Degrees staff will work together at the ‘Money Matters’ workshops to help students better understand the risks and challenges associated with making certain college-related budgeting decisions. Volunteers will be placed at various stations to sell items to students visiting their tables. In many cases, they will be tasked to “upsell” students on expensive items, or they can help them pick the “financially responsible” item. This will also be an opportunity for students to interact with volunteers, many of whom work at financial institutions, and to see 10,000 Degrees programming in action.