2016-2020 | Scaling and Resilience

From 2016 through 2020, SecureFutures focused on scaling its reach while strengthening the tools needed to support teens as they navigated increasingly complex financial decisions. During this period, the Money Sense program reached a peak of serving 7,800 students in a single year, demonstrating both the demand for and the impact of personal finance education in the community. At the same time, SecureFutures invested in expanding its Money Coach program by adding a second Money Coach Manager position, doubling the number of students who could be served through one-on-one coaching and mentorship.

As SecureFutures grew, it also clarified its identity. In 2017, Make A Difference – Wisconsin officially rebranded as SecureFutures, a name that more clearly reflected its long-term commitment to helping teens build financial confidence and plan for the future. That same period marked an important milestone in sustainability, with annual fundraising revenue exceeding $1 million, evidence of expanding support and trust from donors and community partners.

Innovation came to the forefront in 2018 with the official launch of Money Path. Developed in response to the evolving needs of students, Money Path is a comprehensive, web-based learning tool designed specifically for high school students. It uniquely connects academic and career planning with personal finance concepts, empowering teens to make informed decisions about their lives after high school. Through Money Path, teens can compare potential futures and create their first personalized financial plans, helping them enter adulthood with confidence rather than fear. Originally launched in Milwaukee, Money Path would later expand to serve students across Wisconsin as the Department of Public Instruction recognized its impact and aligned with SecureFutures to support broader statewide access, extending the organization’s reach beyond traditional volunteer-delivered programming.

This era also tested the organization’s resilience. During the 2019–2020 school year, SecureFutures rapidly adapted its programming in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to virtual and hybrid models to ensure students continued to receive financial education during an unprecedented disruption to learning.

Together, these years reflect a period of growth, innovation, and adaptability, laying the groundwork for SecureFutures’ continued expansion and its role in supporting financial education across Wisconsin.

To learn more about Money Path, visit our website.