At Pathway Financial Education, we believe we can’t wait until adulthood for financial skills, the stakes are too high. Consider this: more than half of teens say they feel unprepared to manage their finances, and yet only about 31% have access to a financial literacy course in their schools. Meanwhile, 75% of teenagers admit they lack confidence in their understanding of budgeting, credit, or investing. Early financial missteps—debt in collections, misunderstanding interest rates, or not saving for emergencies—can ripple outward for years.
That’s why in 2025, Pathway is committed to expanding beyond pilot programs into something more ambitious: embedding financial education in more classrooms and partnering year-round with community organizations. What began as a single pilot at KIPP Legacy High School is now evolving into a citywide effort across multiple schools and into the school year programming with our longtime community partner, Operation Breakthrough.
Expanding Into More Schools
This fall, Pathway’s full-semester curriculum is being taught in three Kansas City schools across four classrooms. We’ve returned to KIPP Legacy High School with a class of juniors, launched a new partnership at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, where freshmen are beginning their journey into financial literacy, and expanded into Hogan Preparatory Academy, where two classes of sophomores, juniors, and seniors are engaging with the program.
Teachers are already seeing the value of this curriculum in their classrooms. Anthony Smith, a teacher at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, shared:
“I LOVE the program! Your program provides a smooth and effective way to complete the entire syllabus as required by the State plus adding time for field trips and professional presenters.”
Together, these classrooms represent a diverse group of students who are building confidence and practical knowledge around budgeting, saving, credit, and career planning.
Growing Our Partnership With Operation Breakthrough
Our commitment also extends beyond the traditional classroom. For the past three summers, Pathway has partnered with Operation Breakthrough’s Ignition Lab, teaching financial education to students ages 14–18 through real-world application.
This year, we’re expanding that partnership into the school year. Beginning this fall, Pathway will work with juniors and seniors at Operation Breakthrough on timely, discussion-based topics such as The Cost of Convenience and The Risks and Realities of Buy Now, Pay Later, helping teens think critically about the financial choices they face every day.
A Vision for the Future
With three schools, four classrooms, and year-round community programming, Pathway is laying the groundwork for a citywide movement of financial empowerment. These partnerships reflect more than growth. They represent a shared commitment from educators, families, and community leaders to ensure Kansas City students are prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
And we’re just getting started. In addition to our current school and community programs, Pathway is already in conversation with additional schools and districts across the region. These potential partnerships represent the next step in our vision to make financial education accessible to even more students in the years ahead.
Interested in Bringing Financial Education to Your Students?
If you’re an educator, administrator, or community leader who would like to explore how Pathway can serve your students, we’d love to connect. Our team is committed to creating programs that meet the unique needs of each school or organization. Learn more about our Youth Programming and reach out today to start the conversation. We’d be honored to partner with you.
