School teaches students various skills and equips them with knowledge for promising careers. Learning about finances and how to handle it, however, helps them make great investments for their future and helps them through college.
In a special leadership conference held at the College of Southern Nevada on Dec. 10, students were given the opportunity to take part in workshops that teach financial literacy for college and beyond, KSNV reported. Students were taught everything from preparing and getting into college, getting funds to pay for college education and preparing for life after college.
"I've actually been pretty focused on school, but this actually brings it to life," said Justice Jackson, a senior at Centennial High School. "They prepare you for scholarships, financial stability and stuff, and they're actually going to award scholarships tonight, so I'm excited for that."
The Economic Summit and Leadership Conference, conducted by UpLift Foundation, gave a series of workshops that teach students various information that they might not learn until they get older and reach college.
"It teaches our future leaders, our youth, and gives the opportunity to learn the some of the basic things about financial literacy, about the college admission process, as well as how they will pay for college," CSN's Christopher Brown said.
The conference also taught the 180 participating students about life after college, specifically teaching them about financial planning and looking toward the future. It also hopes to help Las Vegas' youth, especially those at risk, to grow and reach their full potential.
"We plant the seed now," Brown added. "Hopefully, it grows into fruition and ultimately, they're able to come back and join us on the other side and give back to some of the kids the same way we helped them."
And what do participating students say about the conference?
"They really help you with college and preparing you, and future readiness and networking, because it's all about networking in the industry and in the world," Jackson said.