Financial literacy program reaches thousands of teens
Make A Difference- Wisconsin, a private nonprofit organized to teach financial literacy to Milwaukee high school students, reached 2,200 teens in nearly all the city’s public schools in its first year. Organizers hope to more than triple that figure in the 2007-2008 school year, and expand the program to private and suburban schools. The program, which began in 10 schools in fall 2006,...
Read MoreYouth lack money lessons
Study finds minorities less likely to know how to spend and save wisely At 16, Shannon Cole can barely remember the last time she set foot inside a bank. A junior at the Milwaukee High School of the Arts, Cole has a part-time summer job as an assistant counselor at the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts and wants to save for college. Right now, she is using the only savings method she...
Read MoreVolunteer Perspective
“This experience has been life-changing for me. This program gave me an opportunity to share years of financial knowledge with inquiring students, prior to their exposure to challenging financial situations. The program served as an eye opener because it provided me with a new channel of outreach. Not only from a financial awareness perspective, but a humanitarian one. It really gave me an...
Read MoreWhat Students Are Saying
“I looked forward to this class every week.” Assata High School “I’m glad you taught me how to build credit because I will need to buy a car and a house.” Community High School “Thanks for the help because I learned how to use money and credit the right way before I turn 18.” Kilmer High School “Because of this program, I feel better prepared for the future.” Riverside...
Read MoreIt’s a Gift
“Financial literacy is one of the single most important gifts we can provide our young people, as it touches all aspects of their lives regardless of their financial position. I’m proud to be associated with Make A Difference -Wisconsin as it truly makes a difference in our youth by giving them the tools to understand the implications of their financial decisions.” Curt...
Read MoreI Went Home With So Much More
“Being an alumnus of MPS (Pulaski High School) I was excited and at the same time nervous about getting in front of a group of young adults at Hamilton High School. I realized early that I was in the same situation 20 years ago. This group was about to graduate and enter the real world. What a perfect time to deliver the message to make smart money decisions starting life on the right foot....
Read MoreFrom All Walks of Life
“We volunteered for MAD-Wisconsin because we believed in the program’s goal. Learning key financial concepts, such as budgeting and saving, the prudent use of credit and how to use a checking account can help teenagers avoid common financial pitfalls. The curriculum also provides practical lessons the kids can apply to their personal experiences. The benefits from the program far exceeded...
Read MoreMission & Vision
The Make A Difference – Wisconsin mission is to provide financial literacy programs and resources that empower students to make sound financial decisions. Our vision is to build strong communities where students and their families make informed financial decisions and take control of their financial...
Read MoreDonate
