Making a Difference Through Financial Literacy
“ I wish I had classes like this when I was young. A lot of people in my generation had to learn the hard way. I want to help students pay themselves first, build wealth and find success in their financial futures.” anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
At Canon-McMillan School District, students are gaining essential financial skills while in high school. High school business teacher Michele Moeller became a driving force behind initiatives that equip students with real-world financial skills.
With the launch of the Young Investors Society( YIS) club, alongside the long-standing Credit Union Club, Ms. Moeller continues to expand opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of personal finance beyond the classroom.
“ I knew there was a need for it,” she said. " Since Personal Finance is only a one-semester course, I added an Investment Strategies course and, with the Credit Union Club, run the YIS Club to further enhance students’ financial literacy."
YIS introduces students to investing concepts that go beyond the basics. Through hands-on learning, students explore how to start investing, evaluate companies, analyze trends and take advantage of market downturns.
One of the club’ s featured programs is the Dollar-a-Day Challenge, which encourages students to begin investing early. Participants save one dollar each day to see how consistent investing can lead to long-term growth.
Students also have the opportunity to work toward earning the Certified Young Investment Analyst( CYIA) designation, which is the highest honor within the Young Investors Society. Students must learn the fundamentals
42 CANON-MAC of stock analysis and pass a rigorous exam that covers advanced financial concepts.
This year, over 60 students joined the YIS club, with CMHS sophomore and club president, Henry Manciu, playing a major role in presenting the club to the administration and Ms. Moeller, as well as sharing lesson plans and leading discussions. Ms. Moeller provides guidance and additional support to ensure the club connects to real-world situations.
Alongside the Young Investors Society, Ms. Moeller also leads the Credit Union Club, which helped establish a student-run branch of Washington Federal Credit Union inside the high school.
Through partnerships with District leaders and Washington Federal Credit Union, students work in the student-run branch and during the summer, they’ re able to intern there to gain hands-on experience in banking and customer service.
“ They’ re learning the ins and outs of a financial institution and gaining valuable real-life experience,” she said.“ I hope it enables them to be more confident in their financial futures.”
Ultimately, her goal is to help students avoid financial challenges that many adults face later in life.
“ I wish I had classes like this when I was young,” she said.“ A lot of people in my generation had to learn the hard way. I want to help students pay themselves first, build wealth and find success in their financial futures.”