Script
Jennifer Obakhume:
In these difficult economic times, it is important for all of us to become knowledgeable about how to maintain a stable financial foundation and making sure that what money one does have is budgeted carefully. As my generation completes school, seeks out a solid job, and college loans that have to be paid regardless of employment status, many young people are learning the hard way about budgeting household finances because we were not given useful financial education that would help us in our futures.  When I was in high school, I didn’t have much financial education.

 Fortunately, in my hometown, there’s one lady who is working to break new ground in teaching children and teenagers about responsible spending. Dr. Wanda Brown is the treasurer of the city of Inglewood.  She is in her fifth year (and first summer) of hosting the six-week long City Treasurer Intern Program, which is open to students from elementary school to high school.

Wanda Brown: What we do first is serve hot lunch and then we get into the program…

At the end of lunch, Brown reviews information that was discussed in the class the week before.  This mainly includes definitions of financial terms and terms involving the ethics of business.

Brown: .. who can tell us what a busget is?..

Intern A:  The amount of money you have to work with?

Brown: someone else?

Intern B: Financial plan?

Dr. Brown is the sole person in charge of this internship, which has not received any funding from the Inglewood city government. As a lifelong resident of Inglewood, I am glad to see that there are youth who are taking advantage of this great program. If I was still in high school, I would certainly get involved myself!

Dr. Brown is living proof that there are good officials who are willing to take the educational reigns, and step in for youth when nobody else has done so. 

Script
Jennifer Obakhume:
In these difficult economic times, it is important for all of us to become knowledgeable about how to maintain a stable financial foundation and making sure that what money one does have is budgeted carefully. As my generation completes school, seeks out a solid job, and college loans that have to be paid regardless of employment status, many young people are learning the hard way about budgeting household finances because we were not given useful financial education that would help us in our futures.  When I was in high school, I didn’t have much financial education.

 Fortunately, in my hometown, there’s one lady who is working to break new ground in teaching children and teenagers about responsible spending. Dr. Wanda Brown is the treasurer of the city of Inglewood.  She is in her fifth year (and first summer) of hosting the six-week long City Treasurer Intern Program, which is open to students from elementary school to high school.

Wanda Brown: What we do first is serve hot lunch and then we get into the program…

At the end of lunch, Brown reviews information that was discussed in the class the week before.  This mainly includes definitions of financial terms and terms involving the ethics of business.

Brown: .. who can tell us what a busget is?..

Intern A:  The amount of money you have to work with?

Brown: someone else?

Intern B: Financial plan?

Dr. Brown is the sole person in charge of this internship, which has not received any funding from the Inglewood city government. As a lifelong resident of Inglewood, I am glad to see that there are youth who are taking advantage of this great program. If I was still in high school, I would certainly get involved myself!

Dr. Brown is living proof that there are good officials who are willing to take the educational reigns, and step in for youth when nobody else has done so.