BrainWise and Financial Literacy

Posted On: May 30, 2008

BrainWise is developing a ground-breaking, replicable model for teaching children and youth financial literacy. Classes at Eagleton Elementary School are reinforcing BrainWise concepts being taught in the school by teaching low income parents the FDIC’s bilingual Money Smart curriculum, and simultaneously teaching children finances infused with BrainWise concepts.  Bank Western has given the program two $5,000 grants to implement this in an after school program in Denver’s Villa Park community.

As shown by BrainWise research and work, it is not enough just to teach the concepts of a particular topic, such as the basics of finance, but to teach people how to use that information to make good choices. That is what BrainWise is about.

As Dr. Barry explained:

“In 2007, we were looking for topics we could teach that would give Villa Park families practice applying the BrainWise program’s thinking skills, called the 10 Wise Ways.  Previous discussions with parents had made us aware that they depended on check cashing services, did not use banks, and bought lottery tickets as a future investments.   I had always wanted to add a financial literacy component to BrainWise, and contacted a lower downtown Rotary Club to learn more about MoneySmart. Using the program, a bilingual BrainWise instructor incorporated the 10 Wise Ways into the instruction.”

“We continued to offer the sessions, and improved our delivery and method. In January, 2008, the Denver Mile High Rotary Club members and other volunteers (bilingual high school students and bilingual businessmen) concurrently taught three combined BrainWise and finances programs:  1)  a session for English speaking parents, 2) a session for  Spanish speaking parents, and 3) a session for the elementary school age children of the parents.  We used the MoneySmart curriculum for the adults and the National Endowment for Financial Education’s (NEFE)  High School Planning Program for the children.”

“The results have been encouraging and we will continue to develop this program and approach, knowing that the topic of financial literacy is critical for youth and parents.”

Please follow and like us:

A Legacy of Transformative Teaching

BrainWise: A Legacy of Transformative Teaching It’s always inspiring to recognize the profound impact BrainWise instructors have had on their students and communities. Past newsletters have celebrated instructors like psychologist Dr. Gary Brayton, PhD, RSW, who has taught BrainWise to more than 2,000 clients. Dr. Brayton is just one of hundreds of dedicated educators using […]

Read More »

Empowering People through BrainWise

Caring, respectful, and committed are words that define the CAPSA staff who teach BrainWise to children and women as they rebuild their lives following traumatic experiences, including domestic violence and rape. Founded in 1976 by concerned citizens in Logan, Utah, the organization provided direct services to 1,551 clients in 2024 and delivered community education to […]

Read More »

Fulfilling an Educator’s Wishlist

Imagine a classroom where students, already struggling, faced eight teacher changes in six months, and where proficiency scores plummeted. This was the reality for 26 third graders in St. Louis, a challenge compounded by the disruptions of the pandemic. But amidst this adversity, one retired educator, Shelia Nicholson, held onto an unwavering hope: BrainWise. For […]

Read More »