Second Chance Partners for Education, Waukesha School District: Area businesses, educators team up to teach students financial literacy

WAUKESHA – March 19, 2009 – Second Chance Partners for Education and the Waukesha School District today announced the third annual “Financial Fitness 101” event, which will take place March 27 at the Center Court Sports Complex at 815 Northview Rd. in Waukesha from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Too often we focus on undoing ramifications once students fail, rather than creating situations where they thrive,” said Stephanie Borowski, executive director of Second Chance Partners for Education. “This event is just another way to bring innovative educational experiences to students who may learn in a more hands-on manner.”

More than 350 high school students will learn from area businesses about budgeting and test their financial literacy through a hands-on, interactive experience. Representatives from financial institutions, real estate, insurance, retail, government, utilities and more will contribute their knowledge and expertise. Students will learn how to make effective decisions as a consumer of products and services.

“This event is a microcosm of how we partner with area businesses and school districts like Waukesha to stem the tide of high school dropout rates in Wisconsin,” added Borowski, whose public-private educational model graduates 90 percent of enrolled students who previously faced dropping out of high school. “Based on dropout rates, we know student demand exists across Wisconsin for preventative education models like Second Chance Partners. We also know that students require as much financial training as possible to succeed in every day life.”

Second Chance Partners for Education is an integrated education model that graduates 90 percent of some of the most challenging students in Southeast Wisconsin. Forming partnerships among school districts, private businesses and philanthropic support, Second Chance Partners for Education creates hands-on learning and skills development over 21 months that meet academic requirements for achieving a high school diploma. Visit secondchanceyouth.org .

To confirm attendance, media please contact: Marie Marks

262.695.7981

mmarks11@wctc.edu