During the 2020-2021 Academic year, Albany Leadership educators Mr. Hines and Mr. Patterson partnered with The Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York to expand financial literacy education among students. Students participated in a digital simulation to understand the real-life implications of budgeting their income and expenses through the JA Finance Park Program.
Junior Achievement Finance Park Program includes a hands-on simulation that will help students learn how to manage, budget, and assess their personal finances as adults. Some of the activities include budgeting for a projected employment income with housing costs (rent), childcare, or lifestyle purchases such as cars or other means of transportation. This simulation is localized to include stores and businesses that are found in the Capital Region!
Hr. Hines and Mr. Patterson worked with their students to facilitate goal setting and good decision-making skills throughout the simulation project to support students in reaching positive outcomes. Making certain to have honest conversations with their students about their decisions and displaying genuine care for their futures. Students were successful in the completion of this project as a result of caring teachers, honest communication, and the application of real-life skills in a profound way. Albany Leadership is grateful to Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York for this digital simulation program and is excited to continue this partnership in the future!