Local nonprofit 22 Hands Up hosted a financial literacy class July 28 at the Minden Recreation Complex, with Regions Bank Manager Thao Vu leading the session for area youth and their parents.
Vu used “Adventures in Math,” a Regions Next Step program for students, to guide the lesson. During the class, Vu discussed the meaning of financial literacy and covered topics such as saving for the future, budgeting, and writing checks. Students also participated in interactive activities, including one in which they decided how to use a hypothetical $100, choosing to save it, donate it, or spend it.
After sharing their choices, students were asked to reconsider their decisions under a new condition: earning the $100 by working 16 hours in a fast-food restaurant. Vu said most students changed their answers to saving the money once they imagined working for it.
“Adventures in Math” is only one of many financial literacy classes Regions Bank offers.
“Regions Bank also does Next Steps for adults,” Vu said. “We go out to businesses and do it with the employees.”
22 Hands Up serves youth ages 11-18 in Webster, Claiborne, and Bienville parishes, with a mission to educate about financial literacy, multiple paths to financial freedom, and overall wellness. The group’s programs focus on leadership development, generational wealth preparation, and community engagement.