Finance Park Denver: A Hands-On Financial Education Experience

Finance Park Denver, a program of Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc., offers a transformative financial literacy experience for middle and high school students. It’s a dynamic simulation that immerses students in a realistic adult world, allowing them to practice making crucial financial decisions and develop responsible money management habits.

Before even setting foot in Finance Park, students participate in a curriculum designed to prepare them for the simulation. This pre-visit learning covers topics like budgeting, banking, investing, credit, insurance, and taxes. They explore career options, learn about income and expenses, and begin to understand the complexities of personal finance.

The highlight of the program is the day spent at Finance Park itself. Here, students receive a personalized “life situation” – a profile detailing their career, salary, marital status, family size, and existing debt. Armed with this information, they navigate a simulated city filled with various businesses and institutions. Each student is assigned a workstation representing a specific financial decision, such as housing, transportation, food, healthcare, entertainment, and investments.

The simulation is interactive and engaging. Students must create a balanced budget based on their income and expenses. They visit virtual businesses to research options and make informed choices. For example, they might explore different housing options, compare insurance plans, or choose between a new or used car. Throughout the day, volunteer mentors – often professionals from the financial services industry – provide guidance and support, helping students understand the implications of their decisions.

Finance Park emphasizes the importance of making informed financial choices. Students quickly realize that every decision has consequences. Overspending in one area might necessitate cutting back in another. They learn to prioritize needs over wants, understand the power of saving, and appreciate the value of long-term planning. The simulation also introduces them to the concept of opportunity cost, showing them that choosing one option means forgoing another.

Beyond budgeting and spending, Finance Park also introduces students to concepts like banking, credit, and investing. They learn about checking and savings accounts, credit card debt, and the potential benefits of investing for the future. This exposure helps them develop a more comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape.

By the end of their Finance Park experience, students gain a newfound appreciation for the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood. They develop critical thinking skills, learn to collaborate, and become more confident in their ability to manage their finances. Finance Park Denver equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to make sound financial decisions throughout their lives, setting them on a path toward financial well-being.

Ultimately, Finance Park Denver is more than just a simulation; it’s an investment in the future. It empowers young people to become financially responsible adults, contributing to a stronger and more prosperous community.