Community, business partnerships foster financial empowerment for students and families

     Meadowcreek cluster schools including Lilburn Middle School, McClure Health Science High School, and Meadowcreek High School recently partnered with the Community Sustainability Enterprise (CSE), the Wells Fargo Foundation, State Representative Marvin Lim, banking professional Ronald Richardson, and The Exit Strategy to bring immersive, real-world financial literacy training to students and their families.

 

   “Financial literacy is essential for preparing students to thrive in adulthood,” says Meadowcreek High Principal Dr. Kevin Wood. “By exposing students to budgeting, credit management, housing decisions, and career planning, we’re equipping them with the tools to build financial stability and independence.”

   This “Exit Strategy: Financial Reality Fair” provides immersive, hands-on simulations and access to real-world financial tools for students and families to gain practical knowledge and confidence in managing money, making informed decisions, and planning for the future. Dr. Wood explains that this opportunity also strengthens the Meadowcreek Cluster’s sense of unity, bringing together schools, families, and community partners in a shared mission of economic empowerment and lifelong success.

     At McClure Health Science High, Principal Dr. Gypsy Hernandez says that beyond understanding academic and medical concepts, students must be equipped with the skills, tools, and critical thinking necessary to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities—especially when navigating complex issues related to healthcare access, affordability, and overall well-being.

     “Our vision is to cultivate world-class healthcare leaders. As students engage in a rigorous academic journey centered on service through the health sciences, it is essential that they also develop financial literacy,” Dr. Hernandez adds.  

     Lilburn Middle Principal Dr. Nicole Irish says that teaching and exposing students to financial literacy is critically important because it gives students the tools they need to make wise decisions that impact their future success. The school has connected this financial learning opportunity to its theme for the year, “Leading the Lilburn Legacy,” which focuses on responsibility, discipline, and forward-thinking.

     “When students understand how to budget, save, invest, and manage credit, they develop confidence and responsibility that extend far beyond the classroom,” Dr. Irish explains. “Financial literacy teaches students to lead themselves first—making informed choices, setting goals, and planning for the future.”

     All three principals agree that collaborations with banks, businesses, and lawmakers provide students with authentic, real-world learning experiences that connect academic content to career pathways. These partnerships also strengthen the cluster’s ability to serve as a hub for opportunity, support, and long-term economic growth.

     “Together, these partnerships expand what we can offer beyond the classroom, affirming that our students’ success is a shared responsibility,” adds Dr. Irish. “This collaboration not only enriches learning but also reinforces our focus to positively impact the legacy within our community and for each child. We are working to show our students that leadership is about building strong connections and leveraging resources to create lasting impact.”