Future's Club Concepts

What do you want to be when you grow up?  

At some point in time, we have all been asked that question.

But when is the right time to start giving it SERIOUS thought?

Many schools have different types of career exploration resources that are usually provided to students beginning in middle school, usually 7th or 8th grade.  This gives students an opportunity to learn more about who they are and what types of careers might be best suited for their personality and interests.

However, the learning should NOT stop here!  Students need to know what type of education or training is needed after high school and search the organizations who can offer these opportunities.  Parents need to review this information and have discussions with their students about the future.  It is important that students develop a support team that they can turn to with questions and for guidance.

Along with this, students need to gain valuable work experience prior to completing high school to give them a better idea about whether or not this is the right career they envision having in the future.  These opportunities can include volunteering, shadowing, co-oping, etc. 

How often have you had to tell your student, 'money doesn't grow on trees?'

According to a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, just 22 states require high school students to complete an economics course before graduation, and just 13 require any kind of personal finance schooling.

That's leaving a lot of kids unprepared to make basic financial decisions when they reach adulthood, putting more pressure on the parents to educate their students about finances.

Decision-making is one of those skills that helps people move through life with purpose instead of proceeding without specific goals or plans.

So how do you teach young students about WANTS and NEEDS and get them to understand the difference between the two at such an early age?

It is crucial that students develop solid decision making skills early in their lives so they will be more able to handle the challenges in the future, manage their behavior, and relate more effectively to others.