On My Own: Booker T. Washington Students Practice Real-World Money Decisions
Updated: 7 hours ago
At Booker T. Washington High School, students recently got an early look at life on their own. Paychecks, rent, transportation, groceries, and the occasional surprise expense all had to fit into one budget.
For students in RISE Memphis' Goal Card program, the On My Own (OMO) simulation provides an opportunity to put financial lessons into practice. Rather than learning about money in the abstract, students step into an adult role and make decisions that carry real tradeoffs, reinforcing the habits and confidence Goal Card works to develop.
Learning by doing
Each student starts with an income and a set of responsibilities. From there, they decide where to live, how to get around, and how to cover their monthly bills. When an unexpected cost comes up, they adjust, just as they will someday in real life. The room quickly filled with conversation. Students compared notes, rethought earlier choices, and asked volunteers questions about everything from saving to managing everyday costs.
What I love about OMO is watching students realize they're capable of handling these decisions. They come in unsure, and they leave asking smart questions about saving, spending, and planning ahead. That confidence is what Goal Card is all about."
— Malcom Rawls, Executive Director, RISE Memphis
Partners who make it possible
OMO was facilitated by Bank On Memphis and the Shelby County Trustee's Office in partnership with RISE Memphis. This experience giving our Goal Card students a realistic, hands-on look at managing money on their own. We’re grateful to the volunteers who gave their time and expertise to guide students through each decision.
"Financial confidence starts early. When young people become financially aware by learning how to budget and plan before they're on their own, they're better prepared to build stable lives and strong futures right here in Shelby County. Programs like Goal Card are an investment in all of us." — Joseph Lee III, Shelby County Trustee
Building a stronger Memphis, together
Every student who leaves OMO with a little more knowledge and a lot more confidence is a step toward a stronger Memphis. We're grateful to Bank On Memphis for curating such an impactful experience for our scholars. We would also like to thank the Shelby County Trustee office for its continuous support, to Booker T. Washington High School for welcoming us, and to our volunteers for showing up.
Interested in partnering with our Goal Card program? Give RISE Memphis a call at
(901) 507-6644 or visit risememphis.org to learn more about the program.
When Memphis rises, we all rise together.
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