Eighth graders from Two Rivers Community School took a break from their regular classes to attend Finance Park, an interactive financial education program hosted by Junior Achievement of Roaring Fork Valley at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. This event, now in its second year, aims to provide students with hands-on experience in managing personal finances.
During this immersive program, students explored the costs associated with higher education, insurance, utilities, groceries, transportation, home improvement, housing, and credit. Junior Achievement’s initiative is part of a larger effort to teach young people the essentials of budgeting and financial literacy.
Engaging Students in Financial Literacy
Steve Hilbert, a social studies teacher at Two Rivers Community School, highlighted the program’s effectiveness. “We have used other programs in the past, but I love how engaging this is for the kids,” Hilbert said. “You can definitely see that they are interested and actively participating.”
The one-day event required students to create daily budgets, helping them understand financial planning’s intricacies. Working in groups, they moved through various stations, each representing different financial responsibilities. This hands-on approach made learning about finances both educational and enjoyable.
Real-World Financial Insights
Junior Achievement District Manager Jake Lasko emphasized the importance of these real-world experiences. “Giving these kids the opportunity to see beyond the walls of the school and to open their brains to what’s possible for themselves,” Lasko said. “It might not sound like an exciting field trip at first, but their engagement once here is undeniable.”
Joey Gavato, Junior Achievement Program Manager, noted the program’s eye-opening impact on students. “This is their first realization that everyday things like water and electricity cost money,” Gavato said. “It gives them a new perspective on financial responsibilities.”
Dan Niedbalski, senior vice president of loan operations at Alpine Bank Rifle and event volunteer, discussed the program’s real-world relevance. “It helps kids understand what their parents go through daily,” Niedbalski said. “It teaches them how to allocate their money wisely.”
Student Reflections and Future Plans
The program’s impact was evident in the students’ reflections. Zoe Nichol, the eighth-grade class president at Two Rivers Community School, shared her newfound understanding. “I’ve learned that many things are more expensive than I thought,” Nichol said. “This experience has made me think about prioritizing expenses, especially for things like children.”
Finance Park’s success with schools like St. Stephen Catholic School and Two Rivers Community School suggests future collaborations with other schools in the Roaring Fork Valley. “We are in discussions with other middle schools,” Lasko said. “We are excited to bring these valuable learning experiences to more students in the area.”