Partner Spotlight: Milwaukee Academy of Science
The Milwaukee Academy of Science has been charting new educational territory since its founding in 2000. Created to close the opportunity gap for minority students in the health sciences, MAS continues to find new ways to empower K-12 students in urban Milwaukee for post-graduation success.
Financial learning is one significant aspect of that empowerment. At MAS, SecureFutures’ Money Sense program is provided as part of STEAM, a Boys and Girls Club program that offers career development and learning opportunities to students interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields.
“Because a solid financial foundation in life is important, the Clubs partner with SecureFutures to teach youth about financial education and independence,” said Rachel Nabors, who oversees the STEAM program. “Our partnership exposes students to financial planning and financial goal-making at an early age.”
Currently, MAS classes are in an all-virtual format, which comes with unique challenges. “Understandably, it’s been challenging to keep the students engaged,” Rachel said. “I find myself thinking of new creative ways to keep our students’ attention every day.”
One of those creative ways is by bringing SecureFutures volunteers into the virtual classroom.
“The virtual format for programs has been working excellent!” Rachel said. “Our volunteers are patient in answering questions students have and engaging with our students as we navigate through the curriculums. Virtual educational sessions cover topics such as budgeting, saving for college, and investing.”
Ginny Dubinski, a High School Counselor at MAS, says that what makes Money Sense successful at MAS is the “sheer chance to secure time with your volunteers to supplement the real life financial obstacles and attempt to provide opportunities to build healthy habits around spending, saving, and securing futures — which is really the perfect name for your program!”
“Your support staff jump in to assist, many of the volunteers learning right alongside the students and to me,” Ginny said. “That can make up the best type of learning, when the students feel they can relate to what is being shared or observed.”
Sherri Mitchell, one of volunteers delivering Money Sense at MAS, says the success is a team effort, and praised the educators at MAS. “You can tell they work very well together as a team. They allow themselves to be a little vulnerable, and share mistakes they have made,” she said. “I have a feeling that the kids are going to remember those vulnerable, honest stories that they shared.”
SecureFutures will be back at MAS next month to deliver Money Path. These programs, Ginny said, are crucial to equipping MAS students for future success as they make decisions about their lives and careers.
“Financial awareness and understanding have real life implications for our students, their families, and their futures,” she said. “The sooner we can give them the power to make the best choices for themselves, the better off we will all be! SecureFutures does just that, it empowers youth to take control of their financial endeavors in a way I have yet to witness with any youth programming.”
