Seven students from the LEAD (Leaders Empowered to Achieve Dreams)high school college and career readiness program were recently recognized for their successful completion of The Vault, a financial literacy program offered in partnership with Youth 4 Orphans. The students had the highest scores in the financial literacy course in addition to having perfect attendance.  They learned about setting financial goals, how career and income will impact their ability to reach their goals, and different ways to budget and manage their money.

“The course teaches you what financial troubles you can get yourself into if you are not financially savvy with your money. I moved from Haiti only a year ago. There were so many things I did not know that the course taught me – how to spend money according to a budget, how to write a check, save money, and manage your finances. I think that if all high school students were taught financial literacy, they would be less likely to make poor financial decisions with their money in the future.” – Laury Diejuste 10th grade (seated all the way to the right)

According to a 2015 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) study, 22% of teens lack a foundation in basic financial skills. For youth living in households with low income, education and awareness is key to helping make smart and effective financial decisions that can lead to future economic success. Moreover, financial literacy empowers communities. It can lead to food security and a more robust and educated workforce, resulting in a lower crime rate, stronger communities, and happier individuals and families. In financially capable communities, everyone benefits.

We are incredibly proud of what these seven LEAD students have accomplished and thankful to Youth 4 Orphans for their partnership. Youth 4 Orphans is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Y4O trains future Christian Leaders through the CORE Leadership mentoring program and provides care for Orphans and their communities in the Bahamas, Haiti, and Guatemala.