Leader Guide
Six weekly 90-minute sessions for after-school programs, youth centers, libraries, camps, and community workshops.
Program Purpose
Help young people discover their abilities, solve everyday problems, practice responsible money habits, and build business ideas that reflect love, honesty, fairness, service, and generosity.
Big idea: I can use my strengths to help people, earn responsibly, and make a difference.
Every young person belongs. A learner's worth is never measured by earnings or business success.
Materials & Safety
Pencils, markers, paper, index cards, play money, calculators, craft supplies, and printed worksheets. Real purchases and sales are optional.
Use a pretend marketplace by default. A caregiver approves and supervises any real selling, travel, payments, or online activity. Never ask children to share names, addresses, phone numbers, or school details in sample ads. Use sample figures rather than asking about family income.
Adapt by Age
| Ages | Approach | Final work |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 | Pictures, whole-dollar amounts, adult reading support, short role-plays | Drawn business plan, simple money example, supported pitch |
| 11–13 | Short written tasks, calculators, teamwork, customer questions | One-page plan, budget, advertisement, two-minute pitch |
| 14–18 | Customer research, realistic costs, tradeoffs, leadership | Evidence-based plan, budget, ethical sales message, pitch and questions |
Session Rhythm — 90 Minutes
- 10 minWelcome game and previous challenge check-in
- 10 minReal-life scenario and group discussion
- 15 minMini-lesson with demonstration
- 30 minHands-on challenge
- 15 minShare, role-play, or test the idea
- 10 minExit ticket and take-home challenge
The Six Sessions
- 💪
Session 1 — Discover Your Strengths, Ready to Grow
Value: Dignity and service
- 💡
Session 2 — Notice a Need, Build an Idea
Value: Empathy and community care
- 💰
Session 3 — Money Moves: Price, Cost, and Profit
Value: Honesty and planning
- 🤝
Session 4 — Tell the Truth, Build the Trust
Value: Integrity and fair treatment
- 🌱
Session 5 — Grow It, Save It, Share It
Value: Responsible money habits, voluntary generosity, and healthy limits
- 🎤
Session 6 — Big Idea Showcase
Value: Put learning into action
Assessment & Completion
Mark each area Emerging, Developing, or Ready. Record one example of evidence; never rank learners by sales potential.
- Purpose: Names a customer and a need
- Money understanding: Distinguishes revenue, costs, and profit
- Integrity: Uses truthful claims and respectful treatment
- Planning: Names materials, a challenge, and a next step
- Growth: Explains a change made after feedback
Completion includes a business idea worksheet, practice budget, honest advertisement, money plan, and a supported or independent pitch.
Optional Family Connection
What strength did you notice? What did your learner discover about money? What safe next step can you support? No purchase, donation, public posting, or business launch is required.
Closing Reflection
My worth is greater than what I earn. I can learn new skills, tell the truth, treat people with dignity, and use my ideas to help others.
Worksheets & Cards