FirstRoot Program Empowers Students to Make Real Change with Real Money

Students at four USD 501 schools will have the opportunity to participate in FirstRoot Financial Literacy, a program designed for schools to help pupils develop knowledge and skills in financial literacy, civics and critical thinking through participatory budgeting.

Through an ongoing partnership with Advisors Excel, Quincy Elementary, French Middle School, Highland Park High School and College Prep Academy, students will have the opportunity to invest $2,000 on a project that benefits each school. The students will work democratically to

create, refine and fund the school improvement proposals.

"Kids are often asked to do make-believe projects in school, but never one they get to see through to the end," said Quincy Elementary Fifth-grade teacher Amber Doyle. "Preparing their proposals for an actual school vote has motivated them to step up and make it the best it can be. They can't wait to see the final result of their project."

FirstRoot supports schools, governments, and nonprofits using participatory budgeting, a democratic process in which young people are given real money to invest in their schools and communities collaboratively. Endorsed by the United Nations, participatory budgeting is used by thousands of schools worldwide to teach financial literacy, civics and critical thinking.

"What drew us to this program was the premise of students working together to enact change in their schools while learning the concepts of budgeting and financial literacy," said Advisors Excel Co-Founder Cody Foster.

For more information on FirstRoot, visit www.firstroot.co.