From First Paycheck to College Costs: Teen Named Financial Literacy Ambassador
When teens learn about financial literacy, they’re better prepared to avoid debt, budget and save, and understand how money management can provide the foundation for a great financial future. Club teen Kyle T., a college freshman from San Francisco, California, is ready to do just that.
Kyle was recently named the 2023 National Money Matters Ambassador from Charles Schwab Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He also received a $5,000 scholarship toward his college education.
Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to supporting youth in being life and workforce ready, equipping young people with career exploration, and practical skills to navigate first jobs and college preparation. In fact, in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2023 Youth Right Now survey, 93% of 11th and 12th graders said they know what education or training they need for the career they want, and 91% know the costs to expect.
Kyle attended Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco for over eight years and was involved in a variety of leadership and community services programs and work training programs. Earlier this month, he started his college career at University of California, Irvine where he plans to major in Computer Science.
Money Matters, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national financial literary program powered by Charles Schwab Foundation, teaches young people how spend, save and invest money wisely – helpful skills for teens navigating first paychecks and preparing for college costs.
“I first participated in Money Matters when I was in 9th grade, and I had just completed a summer internship that paid me a decent amount of money. I had never had that much money in my personal bank account before, and I had not been taught the difference between a want and a need,” said Kyle. “I spent my money recklessly at first. Luckily my timely enrollment in Money Matters equipped me with useful tools for saving and handling money. I have since saved up from my internship programs and was able to purchase a new computer for school!”
The Money Matters program includes more than 20 lessons for a classroom setting, digital resources and an interactive, group experience that encourages teens to examine how financial decisions impact their future selves. Money Matters teaches lessons on budgeting, saving, goal-setting and other behaviors that can lead to career readiness, lifelong financial stability and overall success.
In addition to Kyle, 10 other Boys & Girls Club teens will receive $2,500 scholarships for their outstanding personal finance leadership skills.
- Lanai B., Broadway Club (Cleveland, OH)
- Noah B., The Ready Center (Milwaukee, WI)
- Kelly C., Excelsior Boys & Girls Club (San Francisco, CA)
- Tais C., Boys & Girls Club Port of Los Angeles Harbor (San Pedro, CA)
- Jimena D., Boys & Girls Club Port of Los Angeles Harbor (San Pedro, CA)
- Kaylyn L., East Altamonte Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida (Altamonte Springs, FL)
- Leng M., The Ready Center (Milwaukee, WI)
- Janice P., Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley (Canoga Park, CA)
- Luna Q-B., Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley (Canoga Park, CA)
- Biak T., The Ready Center (Milwaukee, WI)
Through Money Matters, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Charles Schwab Foundation have awarded $670,000 in scholarships to Boys & Girls Club teens.
Stay in the Know
Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides youth mentorship, engaging programming and meaningful life experiences that boost youth self-esteem, build confidence and contribute to healthy mental, emotional and physical well-being. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest resources and stories from Clubs across the country.
