At first glance, a partnership between ArtWorks for Milwaukee and SecureFutures might seem odd, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a powerful mission at its core: preparing young people for their futures by blending paid art internships with real-world career skills. For Tracy LoMenzo, the program manager at ArtWorks, it’s this mission that inspires her every day.
“When I was teaching high school art,” Tracy recalls, “I kept noticing this huge gap—especially for juniors and seniors when it came to understanding money management.” This insight stayed with her when she transitioned to ArtWorks nearly two years ago. She knew that empowering young artists with financial skills could open new doors, and that’s when SecureFutures entered the picture.
Tracy shares how the partnership began with a stroke of luck. Jade Hendricks, a volunteer at ArtWorks who also happened to volunteer for SecureFutures made the connection. “She told us, ‘You have to work with SecureFutures. They’re amazing.’ We were so excited. I looked over the Money Sense program, and I thought, ‘This is perfect.’”
And perfect it was. Since teaming up with SecureFutures, ArtWorks has integrated the Money Sense and Money Path programs into their internships, which serve small, curated cohorts of high school students from several Milwaukee neighborhoods. “Our interns come from all over—around 14 different Milwaukee ZIP codes,” Tracy explains, “We really get that diverse sense of where people are living in the city, and we bring them together.”
But what really makes this partnership shine is how seamlessly financial education blends into the broader curriculum of career readiness. “Honestly, financial literacy doesn’t feel separate from what we do,” Tracy says with enthusiasm. “We’re giving these students everything they need to make informed decisions about their futures—whether they’re headed to college, looking for a job, or deciding what career field to get into. Money Sense fits right in with that.”
One of the most impactful aspects of the program is how well it resonates with the students, even long after the lessons have ended. “We hear so much positive feedback,” Tracy reveals. “The students talk about the savings methods they learned, using a credit card wisely, and even investing. And what’s really incredible is that months later, they’re still mentioning concepts like the 50-30-20 budgeting method. It really sticks with them.”
The results speak for themselves. ArtWorks has seen its interns go on to make better financial choices, and some volunteers have even formed lasting connections with the students, offering guidance and mentorship after the sessions are over. “It’s amazing to see the volunteers connect with our interns, even following up with them on LinkedIn,” Tracy adds. “It’s those personal connections that make all the difference.”
Tracy recommends Money Sense to any community-based organizations thinking about incorporating financial education into their programming. “Money Sense breaks down the information in a relatable and digestible way, whether they’re 14 and just getting their first paycheck or 18 and thinking about applying for a credit card,” Tracy explains. “And there’s room for conversation. The volunteers delivering the lessons really make it personal and give financial advice at the student’s level, which is really special because for most of them, it’s not happening any other place in their lives.”
In partnership with SecureFutures, ArtWorks for Milwaukee is proving that financial education and the arts aren’t just compatible—they’re a powerful combination, helping young people paint a future of possibility and promise. If you’d like to learn more about the Money Sense program and how it can be integrated into your programming or curriculum reach out to Pa Vang, Director of Volunteer Programs at pa@securefutures.org.
