Mind Treasures

Program: ABCs of Weatlh

Program Description:

Mind Treasures’ curriculum – ABCs of Wealth – consists of series of weekly workshops in 3 different age groups; young children (5-6), children & family (7-12 & parents), youth  and young adults (13+). Our unique approach allows for various age groups to attend the initial 7 to 10 workshops at the same time. Youth (ages 16+) and adults then continue on to advanced classes on specifics of local finances. Mind Treasures encourages parents to attend and participate in workshops along with their children and youth so classroom learning can be implemented at home. Children ages 5 -13 (and parents) attend 1-hour weekly hands on workshops. Youth and young adults ages 14 and up (and parents) attend 1 1/2 or 2-hour weekly courses. Each attendee uses an age-appropriate workbook and treasure box. Classes are most effective when conducted in small groups of 15 to 20 attendees.

Program Long-Term Success:

Mind Treasures’ ultimate goal is to create an entrophilanthropic force that will use its resources and various forms of wealth (i.e. knowledge, expertise, money, and time), not only to create a comfortable and sustainable environment for itself, but also to help others establish financially stable and responsible families, neighborhoods, and communities throughout the world.

Program Short-Term Success:

Workshop attendees are expected to develop new attitudes towards money and finances. Children & youth must become comfortable with placing their money in banks where it is safe and can earn interest. Parents must realize that children, from a young age, need to obtain some hands on experience with money by receiving allowance and learning the importance of creating a balance between saving, investing, sharing, and spending. All attendees are expected to learn to become appreciative of their countless blessings and respect the things they take for granted such as food, water, shelter, toys, and etc. Such manner can be developed by becoming aware of what happens in their surrounding and what effects each one has on their living environment. Attendees are expected to reduce their unnecessary expenses by reducing their lavish waste during their normal daily affairs. Participants also learn various ways they are deceived to believing that they need to buy more.

Program Success Monitored by:

Mind Treasures' evaluation process begins with a questionnaire prior to the first session to gain a better understanding of attendees' financial knowledge and behavior and to stimulate their mind on new ways of thinking. This information will assist workshop facilitators to ensure that in addition to the standard material presented, each attendee receives extra attention in areas where it is needed. A post session survey, immediately after the completion of program, is performed to evaluate attendees' level of knowledge gained and implemented. Attendees are also asked about how they will apply their acquired knowledge within their family, neighborhood, and community environment. This also allows us to improve the effectiveness of the program and facilitators. Mind Treasures’ valuation process is concentrated on identifying behavioral changes in attendees. Attendees are also invited to annual meeting to share their experiences and success with others.

Program Success Examples:

Upon completing an ABCs of Wealth program in early 2008, Marquis Snowden (a 4th grade student), embarked on an entrepreneurial initiative and along with his friends. He organized weekly lemonade stands to make money for the purchase of a climbing wall for the kindergarteners at his elementary school. This group of young entrophilanthropists raised over $1,100 through this project. During fall of 2009, when Marquis learned that due to drastic budget cuts at his school district (Lemon Grove), he would not be able to attend the 6th-grade camp, he took on a new challenge to raise enough funds so every 6th grader in his school district can attend a summer camp. Marquis wants to raise $80,000. Attached you will find an article about Marquis' latest efforts.