This initiative is designed to equip young people with essential skills in areas such as leadership development, financial literacy, college and career readiness, decision-making, and personal accountability at no cost to the participants.
Through this workshop series, we aim to create a safe, engaging, and impactful environment where youth can grow in confidence, build character, and develop a vision for their future. There will be eight sessions over a period of three months.
Session 1
Topic:
Documentary Viewing + Life Planning
Curriculum Workbook Activity:
• Complete 2-Year Plan
Life Skill Lesson:
Gardening
Activity:
Each student will plant a tomato or cucumber seed/plant to take home and grow.
Goal:
Teach patience, responsibility, and sustainability. Teaches youth how to grow their own food.
Session 2
Curriculum Workbook Activity:
• Complete 5-Year Plan
Life Skill Lesson:
Etiquette & Professional Behavior
Topics include:
• Table manners
• Professional introductions
• Respect and professionalism
Activity:
Interactive etiquette role-play scenarios; students will engage in a coursed meal experience.
Session 3
Curriculum Workbook Activity:
• Complete Career and Education Goals
Life Skill Lesson:
Communication & Healthy Relationships
Special Feature:
Panel Discussion
Guest speakers may include:
• Professionals
• Entrepreneurs
• College students
Students will ask questions and learn about real-life experiences and ways to work/grow through them. Healing is something a lot of people need to learn.
Session 4
Curriculum Workbook Activity:
• Dreams and Aspirations
Life Skill Lesson:
American Sign Language (ASL)
Activity:
Basic ASL learning and communication practice.
Purpose:
Teach inclusivity and communication awareness. This could be used for siblings, friends, and even future career goals.
Session 5
Curriculum Workbook Activity:
• How Will You Get Here? (Action Planning)
Life Skill Lesson:
Cooking & Food Preparation
Activity:
Hands-on cooking demonstration. Students will make a simple pasta, salad, and bread that can be completed independently; learning to feed themselves in a safe environment.
Topics may include:
• Meal preparation
• Kitchen & safety guidelines
• Supplies-pots, pans, cooking utensils, plates, forks, food supplies
Session 6
Curriculum Workbook Activity:
• Money Management
Life Skill Lesson:
Financial Literacy
Activity:
“My Fake Life” Budget Simulation
Students will:
• Be given a fake life & career with income & other helpful information
• Understand multiple streams of income
• Go around the room and complete objectives such as:
Manage bills
Budget income
Learn financial responsibility
Session 7
Topic:
Life Insurance & Financial Protection
Discussion:
• Why life insurance matters
• Protecting family finances
• Wills vs Trust (benefits and risks)
Life Skill Activity:
Insurance planning–benefits and options
Students will explore:
• Insurance types and terms
• Real-World Scenarios
• Comparing a Will vs a Trust
Session 8
Discussion Topic:
Government Shutdown & Economic Stability
Students learn about:
• Government systems
• Economic impact
• Importance of financial preparation
Life Skill Activity:
Sewing & Pillow Making
Also introduces trades such as:
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Skilled labor careers
Session 9 – Closing Ceremony
End-of-Program Celebration
Activities:
• Program reflection discussion
• Student feedback session & survey
• Parent feedback surveys
• Certificates of Completion presentation
Students will receive:
• Certificates
• Gift cards
• Prizes
• Recognition
Celebration includes:
• Food
• Music
• Community recognition
