Youth Financial Literacy & Credit Education | Melissa Alexander
Melissa Alexander was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ and lived there for most of her adult life. As the oldest daughter of six children raised by a single parent, she began working right after graduating high school to help her family make ends meet.
Melissa describes herself as “a giver,” and believes it is better to give than receive. She’s got a reputation of putting everyone's needs, problems and concerns before her own. On top of being an avid problem solver, she loves donating to many different charities.
Her drive to make a social change began 20 years ago in her own home town. In one instance, she cold called property managers of a local nursing home to have a bus stop bench for guests and residents placed in front of the property. In another, she worked with the city to improve the lighting in a park path leading to a popular football field - helping make of pedestrians and event attendees feel safer.
One of her proudest achievements is working with her local department of transportation to implement six additional bus stop benches across the city. Being an active change-maker in her city, Melissa is a champion for change.
Now, she’s targeting educating the youth about financial literacy and credit management.
Can you describe your project and what you hope to achieve from it?
The Financial Literacy / Credit Education project is one that will teach our young people the reason why having an understanding of finance and credit is important. When you understand the value of money, you’re able to know the importance of budgeting, saving and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Through good personal financial literacy skills, people will maintain high credit and avoid unnecessary debt.
Why is it important to you?
It’s important to me because children are growing up in an increasingly complex world where they will eventually need to take charge of their own financial future. I want to give the youth a head start on their own financial independence, and enable them to feel confident doing so.
What impact do you expect this project to have?
Some of our goals include:
75% of students go on and secure a living wage employment
75% of students to live independently
75% of students will open bank accounts and save $500
75% of students will become financially self-sufficient
What are your plans for the project/your journey in the future?
We plan for the project to help participants make smart financial decisions by providing them with opportunities for growth, interaction with peers and supportive communities where they live. We hope that many will go on to become leaders and ambassadors for change, doing well in school and having a brighter future.
My journey will continue as I try to make the most out of the opportunities I've been given. I want to become the best version of myself and to never pass up any opportunity to do so.
