At Urban Initiatives, we know that leadership isn’t just practiced out on the field or in the classroom – it’s built through real-world tools that set young people up for lifelong success. This summer, as we kick off our Chicago Youth Works programming, we are focused on making sure our interns and Coach Apprentices are prepared for whatever comes next in their careers and financial journeys.
To help us do just that, our partners at JP Morgan Chase hosted three interactive financial literacy workshops for our 75 Chicago Youth Works interns and 25 Coach Apprentices, equipping them with essential money management tools as they earn their summer paychecks.
Crushing Credit with Chase
Understanding credit can feel intimidating, but a session with Laura from Chase turned a complex topic into an engaging, high-energy conversation.
Laura spent nearly an hour leading a workshop specifically for our Coach Apprentices. Bringing a dynamic mix of humor, relatable stories, and key industry insights, Laura kept our young leaders actively involved from start to finish. Passing out Chase educational pamphlets, she walked our coaches through the fundamentals:
- Why credit matters: How a credit score impacts everything from renting an apartment to buying a car.
- Building a strong foundation: Smart strategies for establishing credit safely as a young adult.
- Common pitfalls: What not to do when managing credit cards and loan balances.
- Pro tips & tricks: Practical steps to maximize financial health early on.
Our Interns brought unmatched energy to the room, asking thoughtful questions and picking up valuable tools they can put to work immediately!
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
For many of our summer interns, this program offers their first formal workplace experience and steady paycheck. Combining paid workforce opportunities with practical financial education gives our youth a true advantage, ensuring they don’t just earn money – they know how to grow it, protect it, and leverage it for their futures.
Leadership is about action, intention, and making informed decisions. Thanks to workshop leaders like Laura, our youth left with a clearer vision of their financial power and the confidence to take control of their futures.
A huge thank you to Laura and the team at Chase for spending time with our summer interns, sharing vital knowledge, and investing in the next generation of Chicago’s leaders!
