DEL CITY, Okla. (KFOR) — An annual conference for high school seniors at Mid-Del Schools taught them all about money and life skills on Wednesday. More than a thousand students gathered to hear from multiple speakers on a variety of topics they’ll need after graduation.
“We realized our students just need that kind of life skill moment. Money management, vehicle responsibility, and buying a house. How do you rent an apartment?” said Meagan Bryant, executive director of family and student services in the Mid-Del District.
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, about 40% of adults surveyed had low financial knowledge and relied on parents and friends for help. The district’s goal is to help students understand real-world dollars and sense.
“We don’t have a lot of time in the school day to cover topics like this. And so if we have a dedicated day for them to be able to experience this, I think it just gives them a step forward in that right direction,” said Bryant.
“I really do need a lot of help with just simple things, like I don’t know how to manage a bank account or get an apartment. I barely know how to grocery shop,” said Jadin Thompson, a Senior at Carl Albert High School.
The National Financial Educator’s Council points to a survey that shows only 23% of kids talk to their parents frequently about money. The district said the event for seniors can spark important new conversations within families.
“Sometimes our kids will take home connections, and it might be banking basics, and maybe it’s something that their family didn’t realize,” said Byrant.
“Hopefully in the future I’ll be successful and teach my own kids or people like this an event like this,” said Thompson.
Students heard from several business leaders at Wednesday’s conference and listened to breakout sessions to delve deeper into topics that appealed to them, such as renting an apartment or choosing a career.
