8th grade social studies classes from Memorial Junior High School recently had the opportunity to participate in an engaging financial literacy and philanthropy focused field trip experience at the Cleveland History Center. Located in Cleveland’s University Circle, the Cleveland History Center is operated by the Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS). Approximately 150 students participated, with groups of seventy-five each taking separate trips on Thursday, October 31st and Monday, November 4th, 2019 respectively.
Titled Raising the Dough: How Entrepreneurs Support Communities, the program helped students study the economic, political and social history of Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood to gain a fuller understanding of the key factors and entrepreneurial spirit that contributes to a healthy community. Students utilized the WRHS Research Library to examine primary documents such as maps and financial records of the historic Hough Bakery, Inc. and completed a cost-benefit analysis based on their research. A scavenger-hunt activity in the Celebrate Those Who Give Black exhibit provided students the opportunity to discover past and present examples of African American philanthropy in the City of Cleveland. Lunch was graciously was provided by Fifth Third Bank.
For the 8th grade students, the field trip also served as a culminating learning experience for The Balancing Act, an exclusive six-week financial literacy course provided by The Phebe Foundation. The course helped students learn about important financial concepts such as equity, practice writing checks and discuss valuable soft skills related to employment such as interviewing. In addition, students filled out work permit applications and were given the chance to apply for twelve internship opportunities with the Phebe Foundation. Sharron Williams, Executive Director for The Phebe Foundation attended both field trip sessions at the Cleveland History Center and was joined by Lyndhurst resident and Executive Director of the United Black Fund, Cecil Lipscomb, who provided support for The Balancing Act program.
The South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools would like to thank The Phebe Foundation, United Black Fund and the Department of Pupil Services for providing our students valuable learning experiences that will help them build financially stable futures and make a positive impact in the community.
