At The R.E.A.L. School in Racine, students are gaining more than just academic knowledge; they’re building the financial skills they need to thrive in life beyond high school. Through a powerful partnership with SecureFutures, the Money Coach program is equipping teens with financial literacy, mentorship, and real-world tools to navigate their futures with confidence.

For Principal Curt Shircel, the decision to bring Money Coach into the school was an easy choice. “We were receptive to the idea of bringing a program into the school at no cost. Philosophically, I am open to any district-approved free program that brings adults in to work with our students.”

As a former middle school math teacher, Curt has long understood the importance of connecting math to everyday life. “Money is typically the first real, meaningful way kids can connect their behaviors to math,” he explained. “Personally, I had to learn a lot of lessons on my own throughout life, and some of those lessons were very difficult, so any way that I could help students make meaningful connections to math early in life was important to me.”

Money Coach pairs students with trained volunteer mentors for 11 weeks of hands-on learning. Teens explore budgeting, saving, credit, goal setting, and more, all while working with a trusted adult who can offer encouragement and perspective. That one-on-one connection makes a lasting impression.

“Racine is an amazing place to live, but it faces economic disparities, and not all students and their families have equal access to resources, support, or the opportunity to succeed,” said Andréa Michel, SecureFutures’ Interim Program Manager for Racine. “Financial literacy empowers students to make informed financial decisions, break cycles of poverty, and begin to build generational wealth.”

The impact is visible. “Students at The R.E.A.L. School spend less and save more,” Andréa noted. “Some of those who are 18 and work full-time even inquire about 401(k)s and exploring investment options like CDs and the stock market.”

Curt agrees that the students’ response has been telling. “Any time you add something new to a student’s day, there’s a risk of it being perceived as a negative requirement,” he said. “But this program is offered as a choice with incentives. Students are positive about it. In fact, some who haven’t participated are now coming to us asking when they’ll get their chance. That’s pretty cool.”

Of course, launching a new program comes with logistical hurdles. For The R.E.A.L. School, it took time to figure out scheduling and making sure teachers could accommodate students missing class time. But once those pieces fell into place, the benefits became clear, and staff across the school saw the value.

“Many high school students feel unprepared to manage money, credit, debt, or even track their expenses. Some come from families with legacies of mistrust in financial institutions or limited access to banking,” Andréa said. “Money Coach helps fill that gap by teaching students the most critical aspects of financial literacy and pairing them with mentors from the business community who can model healthy financial habits and decision-making.”

For other school leaders considering the program, Curt has this advice: “I imagine that other administrators may begin with some of the same feelings as we did. With so many demands on our time and things to focus on, schedule, and plan for, it may seem overwhelming to add another thing to our full plates. But the payoff is worth it. Students who are better prepared for life is something every school should strive for.”

At The R.E.A.L. School, Money Coach isn’t just a program. It’s a game-changer – for students, for families, and for the future of the Racine community.

If you’re interested in learning more about our programs, contact pa@securefutures.org