PITTSTON, Pa. — Learning about potential income levels and how to balance a budget are just a few of the lessons Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania is teaching eighth graders in the Pittston Area School District. It's a part of YES, the Your Economic Success program.
"Studies show that this is the time that they really need to be exposed to things like personal finance and careers because we want them to graduate from high school on a pathway to economic mobility. So, we want to put enough activities in front of them between middle school and high school that they're learning about themselves and what's important to them," said Susan Magnotta with Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
In addition to budgeting skills, these students are learning about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and interview skills through interactive games and activities—skills these students say will hopefully pay off in the future.
"I think it can help them later on in life. Because if they know how to do interviews and practice budgeting, they can really make a living for themselves and not go bankrupt or lose your house or have a job," said Christopher Net of Duryea.
A dozen schools throughout northeastern Pennsylvania went through this YES program this school year.