This program is not yet available. Complete planning of this and all our programs are on hold until our 501(c)3 application is approved. Please consider donating through our General Donation Page to help achieve this goal. 

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Nana B. Ray Self-Sufficiency Program

A 12-month program designed to equip individuals and couples with essential financial, career, and life skills for long-term independence.

Program Details:

• Open to high school juniors and above (free for all participants).

• Structured into four 3-month sections, with a one-week break between each.

• Completion Certificate awarded for students maintaining a B average.

• Students dropping to a C average must retake the course (allowed up to 3 times).

📌 Part 1: Financial Foundations & Money Management (Months 1-3)

Building a strong foundation in financial literacy and personal money management.

💰 Basic Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Setting up and managing savings & daily spending accounts

• Understanding bank statements & receipts (paper vs. digital tracking)

• Mock paycheck system: Weekly "paychecks" deposited into student accounts

• Balancing budgets: Allocating money for expenses, savings, and discretionary spending

🏠 Future Financial Planning

• Homeownership essentials: mortgages, maintenance costs, insurance

• Planning for major life expenses: roof replacements, HVAC repairs, yard care

• Understanding credit scores: Building, maintaining, and improving credit

• Writing checks & responsible credit usage

• Introduction to loans & debt: Pros, cons, and risks of overextending credit

🔹 Real-World Application: Mock Credit System

• Students earn credit by:

  • Attending class on time

  • Preparing ahead & responsible planning

  • Communicating absences or lateness responsibly

• Mock Line of Credit can be used for class-related expenses

📌 Part 2: Life Skills & Real-World Financial Application (Months 4-6)

Applying financial knowledge to real-world scenarios and long-term planning.

🛠️ Smart Consumer & Homeowner Skills

• Insurance Basics: Health, auto, home, and renters insurance

• When to switch insurance providers and how to compare coverage

• Renting vs. Buying: Lease agreements, mortgages, and homeownership rights

• Home maintenance: Preventative care, simple repairs, and cost planning

🛒 Smart Shopping & Consumer Habits

• Grocery shopping hacks: Using coupons, bulk buying vs. retail shopping

• Comparing prices & reading contracts (cell phone plans, utilities, leases)

• Recognizing financial scams & fraud

🔹 Real-World Application: Mock Utility & Shopping System

• Students must use their mock accounts to:

  • Pay monthly utility bills (last week of each month)

  • Purchase groceries & classroom supplies using a prepaid system

📌 Part 3: Transportation, Career Planning & Job Readiness (Months 7-9)

Preparing students for independent living, work, and financial security.

🚗 Transportation & Auto Management

• Partnering with a Driving School (for students without a driver’s license)

• Permit prep will be available for students who needs this step.

• Auto insurance: Coverage types, rates, and smart renewal strategies

• Car maintenance basics: Oil changes, tire checks, and emergency repairs

• Student who already have their driver's license will have other tasks while driving students are out of class. 

💼 Career Readiness & Workplace Skills

• Resume writing & mock interviews (with local business professionals)

• Understanding workplace perks: Paid time off, retirement benefits, job incentives

• How to ask for a raise & negotiate salaries

🔹 Real-World Application: Career Planning & Professional Skills

• Students will build a resume and complete a mock job application

• Practice job interviews and receive professional feedback

📌 Part 4: Cooking, Nutrition & Advanced Financial Skills (Months 10-12)

Mastering essential life skills for self-sufficiency and long-term success.

🍳 Cooking & Meal Planning

• Weekly cooking classes on Thursdays

• Students vote on meals to learn each week

• Meal prepping & food storage to reduce waste and save money

📊 Advanced Financial Management

• Investing basics: Stocks, bonds, and retirement planning

• Understanding inheritance & managing large sums of money

• Emergency funds & unexpected expenses

🔹 Real-World Application: Financial Independence Challenge

• Convert mock accounts into prepaid cards for real-world shopping exercises

• Final budgeting challenge: Students must manage a full month’s budget

• Final exam simulation: Unexpected financial events challenge

📢 Additional Course Features & Support

• One-on-one mentorship available for students needing extra guidance

• Guest speakers (financial advisors, business owners, real estate agents)

• Field trips to banks, insurance agencies, and grocery stores for hands-on learning (appointments scheduled based on professional's availability)

• Graduation Ceremony for students who complete the program successfully-Graduates will receive a Certification of Completion