By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist
On Dec. 6, 2023, Wisconsin Act 60 was signed into law. Under Act 60, all high school students in Wisconsin, starting with the class of 2028, are required to graduate with a half-credit of personal financial literacy. While this course requirement was only recently introduced to every high school
across the state, it came as no surprise to Milwaukee-based SecureFutures.
Launched in 2006, SecureFutures provides financial literacy programs and resources, empowering teens to make sound financial decisions. The organization’s founder Lloyd Levin hired current president and CEO, Brenda Campbell, shortly after SecureFutures’ launch. The two professionals shared the same concern – financial literacy among younger generations was severely lacking
“Thousands of kids were graduating high school without a clue on how to manage money,” said Campbell. “I had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of teens.”
SecureFutures is 100% privately funded and its programs are provided to students at no cost. The organization works primarily with Wisconsin-based high schools and community-based organizations, fostering relationships with approximately 200 partners. This number will only rise as Wisconsin schools navigate the new state legislation.
SecureFutures’ programming focuses on high school juniors and seniors, at the age when they are most likely to be impacted by financial education.
“There is an absolute sweet spot with financial education,” said Campbell, in reference to this time of a student’s life.
Many of these teens are starting their first jobs and now have access to income. They are opening bank accounts and may even be using a credit card. SecureFutures’ three core programs meet each teen where they’re at on their financial journey.
Money Path is a web-based financial education app that highlights the impact of a student’s academic and career choices on their long-term financial well-being. Each user’s experience is personalized, allowing them to better prepare for the future.
“The earlier you understand, the better off you are,” said Campbell.
Money Sense is an introductory program to financial basics, such as banking, savings plans, budgeting and maintaining healthy credit. It is available in both in-person and virtual formats. The program content can be presented by an educator or by one of SecureFutures’ trained volunteers.
The Money Coach program focuses on financial mentorship in under-resourced communities. Through one-on-one and small group coaching, teens not only feel inspired to make informed financial decisions, but they build meaningful relationships with their coaches.
From 2006 to 2024, SecureFutures’ programs have empowered a remarkable total of more than 126,000 teens, and the programs work.
“We are dedicated to measuring the behavioral impact of our programs,” said Campbell.
The following data from each program is a testament to the organization’s success:
- 94% of Money Path participants reported that they are more likely to set up a savings plan for important financial goals.
- 99% of Money Coach participants have a bank account upon program completion, compared to 67% before.
- 91% of Money Sense participants shared that the program will positively impact the way they manage money moving forward.
SecureFutures is excited to continue encouraging financial capability across the state and is looking for professionals in the Milwaukee business community to help spread the organization’s positive impact. Whether you have a passion for financial empowerment, want to help teens, or both, SecureFutures provides volunteers with the necessary training and materials to encourage teens to make informed financial decisions.
Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
