Finance Program Reaches Local Schools

Kids across Anne Arundel County are being introduced to computer technology earlier in life, and schools in Maryland are trying to teach kids how to afford the smartphones, laptops and flatscreen televisions they want with lessons on personal finances.

In 2010, the Maryland State Department of Education started requiring schools to provide financial education, beginning in September 2011. Each jurisdiction in the state was tasked with implementing the un-funded requirements.

Junior Achievement of Central Maryland (JACMD) has helped area schools meet the requirement, and now students in Anne Arundel County are learning how to save and spend with the computer program JA Finance Park.

"It's very important for children to have the opportunity to understand the value of a dollar," said Angela Carbone-Clanton, an eighth grade teacher at Severna Park Middle School. "They tend to express that they really 'need' things, and this program gives them insight into differentiating between 'needs' and 'wants.'"

Supported with funds from several banks and private businesses, JA Finance Park is teaching students credit accounts, debit accounts, saving and investing, as well as budgeting their day-to-day lives, at 15 of the 19 county middle schools.

"[It's] a good mix of math and fun stuff," said Kelly Franchak, an eighth grader at Severna Park Middle. "Since you're doing it on the computer, it seems like you’re learning in a more fun way."

Students simulate the major life decisions of choosing a career path, cars, groceries and a home. The idea is to get kids thinking about striking a balance between spending and earning, before they can fall into debt as an adult.

"Every day I see adults who have made poor financial choices and are suffering the consequences," said John Olsen, a JACMD financial volunteer. "Those consequences could have been alleviated by developing a better understanding of these concepts."

JA Finance Park launched last school year in Howard and Kent Counties, as well as the schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Baltimore City schools. This year, the following 15 schools in Anne Arundel County began using the program:

• Annapolis Middle School
• Brookyln Park Middle School
• Central Middle School
• Chesapeake Middle School
• Corkran Middle School
• Crofton Middle School
• Lindale Middle School
• Magothy River Middle School
• Marley Middle School
• McArthur Middle School
• Meade Middle School
• Old Mill Middle School North
• Severn River Middle School
• Severna Park Middle School
• Southern Middle School