FBLA honors its mission toward inspiring business-minded leaders through promoting financial literacy through competitive events such as ‘Personal Finance’ and programs like ‘The Stock Market Game.’ Garrard County High School FBLA members in Kentucky recently stepped into teaching roles to help Garrard County Middle School students learn valuable financial literacy skills.
Partnering with Whitaker Bank, the high school students led an engaging, hand-on lesson designed in alignment with the Kentucky Financial Literacy Standard to develop and explain a savings plan and budget based on specific short- and long-term financial goals. 
The interactive 60-minute session introduced middle school members to real-world money management situations through a series of learning stations. Guided by high school mentors and supported by Whitaker Bank banking professionals, students explored how to set financial goals, create budgets, and develop savings plans for their future.
Under the direction of the GCHS Business and Financial Services department, FBLA students served as mentors and facilitators, taking charge of a specific station to focus on the essential aspects of money management:
Station 1: Set Your Goals
Led by high school finance students, this station encouraged middle schoolers to identify short- and long-term financial goals such as saving for a new phone, sports gear, or future education. Garrard County FBLA high school students discussed the importance of planning ahead and balancing immediate wants with future needs.
Station 2: Build Your Budget
Business and math students helped their middle school peers manage income and expenses using their budget cards and fake money. Students learned to prioritize savings by setting aside at least 10% and how to make decisions when expenses exceed income.
Station 3: Smart Savings
A Whitaker Bank representative, assisted by FBLA high school students, showed how interest helps savings grow over time. Students calculated how even small deposits could increase with regular saving and interest, reinforcing the value of starting early.
This event combined classroom learning with community partnership. Whitaker Bank’s involvement gave students authentic insights into real-world financial decision-making scenarios. FBLA’s involvement not only helped middle school members develop financial literacy sills, but also gave high school members the opportunity to strengthen their leadership, communication, and teaching abilities. “Teaching younger students about money management really helped us realize how important these skills are,” said one FBLA high school student leader.
Garrard County strives to continue promoting business education, leadership development, and community involvement through leading by example and proving that when students teach students, everyone learn.
Submitted by Rachael Parsons, Garrard County High School, Kentucky FBLA
