About the Course
This course explores the financial decisions students face as they transition from high school to college, career, and workforce pathways. Educators will examine how individuals evaluate educational opportunities, career options, and financial commitments associated with higher education, vocational training, and employment. Participants will analyze key topics including college financing, student loans, scholarships and financial aid, workforce earnings potential, taxes, and long-term financial planning. The course also examines how career choices, income potential, and education costs influence lifetime financial outcomes. Emphasis is placed on helping educators translate these complex financial concepts into engaging classroom lessons appropriate for middle and high school students. Through case studies, applied activities, and curriculum design exercises, participants will develop instructional strategies that help students evaluate career pathways, understand education financing options, and make informed financial decisions about their futures. By the end of the course, participants will design a classroom-ready financial literacy mini-unit that teaches students how to evaluate college, career, and workforce financing decisions.
- Explain the financial considerations associated with postsecondary education pathways, including college, vocational training, and workforce entry.
- Evaluate education financing options such as scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid programs.
- Analyze how career choices, income potential, and employment trends influence long-term financial outcomes.
- Interpret financial documents related to employment income, including paychecks, taxes, and workplace benefits.
- Design classroom instructional activities that help students evaluate education and career financial decisions.
- Develop a classroom-ready financial literacy mini-unit focused on college, career, and workforce financing decisions.