One of the main goals of MBRT programming in middle and high schools is to help students determine career pathways. One of the ways MBRT fulfills this goal is through classroom programs and workshops, hosted by business professionals in the Speakers Bureau program.
MBRT hosts programming for grades 7-12 across the state of Maryland. In grade 12, the focus is on ‘Financial Literacy,’ sharing information with students about credit, loans, budget and more. This serves as the beginning of a “Ready to Launch” program that equips high school seniors with the information they need to find future success.
Financial professionals partner with MBRT to host sessions in the classrooms, working to reach all grade 12 students in Maryland high schools.
In Kent County, a partnership has been created with Truist branch leader and MBRT Speakers Bureau member Amanda Wallace. Amanda comes to English IV classes to share a Financial Literacy session with high school seniors.
“When I was here (at Kent County HS), we did not have that opportunity…the credit piece is my favorite part of it. I like to have the opportunity to share with the juniors and seniors while they are still in high school about how credit really impacts your lifelong dreams.”
In classroom sessions, Amanda walks through a budget with students, getting their input for items like car payments, entertainment, rent, utilities and items that people often forget to budget for, such as personal products.
The session culminates in a game, which assigns students a job, rent, car payment, loans and other essential financial commitments. Students work together in teams to figure out how to live within their means and not overextend their finances.
What surprised Amanda the most when leading sessions with high school seniors was “They have actual questions about credit, how to get a loan, how they can use services to help them – that makes it fun. I really enjoy it.”
Amanda Wallace is a long-time MBRT Speakers Bureau member, logging more than 100 hours in classrooms and workshops at Kent County High School. In 2024, she was recognized with the “Program of the Year” Award for Grade 12 Financial Literacy sessions. 
According to Amanda, “The earlier that we start [with financial literacy] and the more prepared they are, the county will do better.”
Some financial tips from Amanda Wallace, branch leader at Truist:
- 10% is the recommended amount to save each month
- Interest rates are at an all-time high: even close to 6-7% for those with good credit – many people are paying $400-800 a month for car payments
- 670 is the current average “good” credit score
- Debt-to-income ratio is the most important measure
Listen to even more tips from Amanda Wallace on the College & Career Corner show, originally aired on 90.5 WKHS
In addition to Financial Literacy sessions with grade 12 students, Amanda assists with Resume Workshops and Mock Interviews with grade 11 students during the Kent County MBRT Next Generation Scholars Awards Night. She also volunteers in the community with the Kent Attainable Housing program, helping individuals and families create and manage budgets to work towards home ownership.
