University of Maryland Medical Systems Partners with Adult Wannabe to Host Impactful Financial Literacy Workshop

Mastering finances can be tough for anyone, even adults. With changes in government policies and the ups and downs of the stock market, it can be hard to keep up with the best ways to make smart financial choices. But learning how to manage money is important for everyone, and that’s exactly what happened when Nia Brown, CEO and Founder of Adult Wannabe, teamed up with University of Maryland Medical Systems to teach financial literacy to the students of the Saving Maryland At Risk Teens (SMART) Youth Program.

This partnership brought a fun and engaging way to teach students in Baltimore, MD about financial decisions that could shape their futures. The SMART Youth Program focuses on helping young people who face challenges, and Natausha Coates, BSN, RN, CM/DN, CCHP, the Violence Prevention Program Coordinator, played a key role in making this partnership happen. Her hard work and leadership were essential to the success of this event.

A Positive Approach to Financial Education

Instead of focusing on negative topics, this workshop was created to inspire the students. The goal was to teach them about the importance of financial planning and smart money choices in a way that was easy to understand and relate to. The students had the chance to see how financial knowledge could benefit them in real life.

The workshop included interactive activities such as trivia, group discussions, and a fun role-playing game. The 50/30/20 rule was a big part of the lesson. This simple rule helps people decide how to budget their money by splitting it into three categories: 50% for needs (things like rent and groceries), 30% for wants (things like entertainment or dining out), and 20% for saving and investing. This rule gave the students a clear, easy way to think about how to spend and save their money wisely.

Nia Brown, Natausha Coates, and the staff of University of Maryland Shock Trauma

Learning Through Fun Activities

The goal of the workshop was to make financial education both fun and informative. The students got involved in activities that helped them understand how to use the 50/30/20 rule and start thinking about how to manage their money. They learned how to balance spending, saving, and planning for the future in a way that felt simple and doable.

A Partnership That Makes a Difference

The collaboration between Adult Wannabe and University of Maryland Medical Systems is a big step forward in teaching financial literacy to young people in communities that need it most. By giving students the knowledge and tools to manage their money, this partnership is helping them build a strong foundation for their futures.

Thanks to the efforts of the SMART Program, Adult Wannabe, and University of Maryland Medical Systems, the students got a chance to learn about something that can truly change their lives. This workshop wasn’t just about teaching them how to budget—it was about giving them the confidence to take control of their financial future.

Looking Ahead

Financial literacy is a powerful tool that can help young people make better decisions and live more independent lives. We are excited about the positive impact this workshop has had and look forward to more opportunities to bring financial education to young people in Baltimore and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to empower the next generation with the knowledge they need to succeed!