Questions about credit, savings, and emergency funds sparked conversations this spring as volunteers from Bank of America visited Open Doors Academy high school programs across Cleveland.
Using Better Money Habits, Bank of America’s financial education platform, volunteers worked with scholars at Garrett Morgan High School, Max S. Hayes High School, and Cleveland Heights High School to explore financial topics many adults wish they had learned earlier.
Through interactive videos, step-by-step guides, and real-world examples, scholars discussed how to build savings, understand credit, navigate debit cards, and prepare for future financial decisions.
For scholar Jayella C., one lesson stood out.
“I liked learning how a savings account has interest rates that add money to your savings account once you deposit money into it,” she shared.
Chris G. left thinking about long-term goals.
“It was interesting hearing about the difference between debit and credit cards and how building credit can help you purchase a house and other things in the future,” he said.
Ashley Wasielewski, Community Relations Manager at Bank of America, emphasized the broader impact of this work: “Starting financial literacy early is one of the best ways to set up the next generation for a life where they’re in control and confident about finances. Programs like Bank of America’s Better Money Habits make these ‘grown-up’ topics approachable, turning what could be a stressful learning curve into a series of smart, simple wins that stick with them for a lifetime.”
Thank you to Bank of America and their Champions who volunteered their time to help our scholars build a strong foundation in financial management and move one step closer to a confident, self-sufficient future.
