lenny

Diploma to Dollars: A Family Finance Night

Lesson Plan

Diploma to Dollars: A Family Finance Night

Understand diploma's impact on career and finances

This lesson aims to educate high school students and their families about the financial implications of obtaining a high school diploma. Through inquiry-based and active learning strategies, participants will explore how educational attainment affects career opportunities and financial stability. This session is crucial for motivating students to complete their high school education, highlighting the connection between education, career choices, and the ability to meet basic living needs.

Audience

Family Session Night for High Schoolers

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Inquiry-Based Learning, Active Learning

Materials

Worksheet: Basic Living Expenses Calculation, Reading: Career Options with a High School Diploma, and Video: How to Choose the Right Career Path

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Welcome families and introduce the session's topic: the importance of a high school diploma for career and financial stability.
  • Say: "Today, we're going to explore how finishing high school can open doors to better job opportunities and financial security."
  • Briefly discuss the session's objectives and activities.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Step 3

Group Discussion

5 mins

  • Facilitate a discussion on the video content.
  • Ask: "What stood out to you about the connection between education and career choices?"
  • Say: "A high school diploma can significantly impact your career options and financial stability."

Step 4

Worksheet Activity

5 mins

  • Distribute the "Basic Living Expenses Calculation" worksheet.
  • Guide families through calculating monthly expenses for basic needs (housing, food, transportation, etc.).
  • Say: "Let's see how different careers can affect your ability to meet these expenses."

Step 5

Reading and Reflection

3 mins

  • Provide the reading handout "Career Options with a High School Diploma."
  • Allow families a few minutes to read and reflect on the career paths available with a high school diploma.
  • Say: "Consider how these roles can provide financial stability and growth opportunities."

Step 6

Closure

2 mins

  • Summarize the key points discussed during the session.
  • Say: "Remember, education is a powerful tool for achieving financial stability."
  • Encourage students to set educational goals and discuss them with their families.
  • Thank participants for attending and remind them of the importance of education in achieving financial stability.
lenny

Worksheet

Basic Living Expenses Calculation

This worksheet helps families calculate monthly expenses for basic living needs, such as housing, food, and transportation. It aims to illustrate the financial responsibilities that come with adulthood and how different careers can impact the ability to meet these expenses.

List your estimated monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Consider average costs in your area.







Calculate the total monthly expenses based on your estimates.

Add up all the listed expenses.







Discuss how different careers might affect your ability to cover these expenses.

Think about the average salary for careers requiring a high school diploma.







lenny
lenny

Reading

Career Options with a High School Diploma

This reading provides an overview of various career paths available to individuals with a high school diploma. It highlights the potential for growth and financial stability in these roles, encouraging students to consider the benefits of completing their education.

Career Options with a High School Diploma

  1. Administrative Assistant

    • Average Salary: $40,000
    • Role: Support office operations, manage schedules, and handle communications.

  2. Retail Sales Associate

    • Average Salary: $30,000
    • Role: Assist customers, manage inventory, and process sales transactions.

  3. Customer Service Representative

    • Average Salary: $35,000
    • Role: Handle customer inquiries, resolve issues, and provide product information.

  4. Construction Laborer

    • Average Salary: $37,000
    • Role: Assist in building projects, operate machinery, and maintain safety standards.

  5. Food Service Worker

    • Average Salary: $28,000
    • Role: Prepare and serve food, maintain cleanliness, and ensure customer satisfaction.

These roles offer opportunities for advancement and skill development, making a high school diploma a valuable asset in the job market.

lenny
lenny