Fighting for Our Children's Minds

By using the Little Green Money Machine interactive learning system, kids, tweens, and teens will learn how to set up a business, earn and save money, money management, the importance of social entrepreneurship, as well as build important soft skills such as self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-reliance.

The LGMM system lays the foundation for a future generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.

Our school system today focuses mainly on standard coursework of math, science, language and social studies, etc.  Today’s youth are taught the basic skills that conform to standardized tests, but what is being done to prepare them for the real world? Most kids simply read enough or memorize enough each week to pass the next test so they can get a positive grade. Grades are based on test results – not actual learning.

This process is perpetuated by a system in place in which schools receive more federal funding if their students achieve certain “test scores” in various subjects.  School curriculums have been backed into a corner.  In order to survive financially and receive federal funding, they must focus all of their coursework on getting students to pass standardized tests.   Children are not being prepared for the real world.

Recently, President Obama touched on this very subject in his State of the Union address, stating that “A high school diploma is no longer a guarantee of a job in the United States of America”.  He should have also mentioned that a college degree is no longer a guarantee of a job in America.  He went on to say that major reform was needed in K-12 education. 

If the cornerstone of financial health is entrepreneurship and job creation, as our politicians point out, why isn’t there more emphasis on business skills taught to our youth at schools?   Currently there is no curriculum in k-12 education with this emphasis.  Why not focus on teaching our youth business acumen at an early age?

Current Issues

Considering the facts below, teaching and exposing our youth to entrepreneurialism at a young age only makes sense.

• America is the leader in capitalism and free enterprise
• 75% of all new jobs come from small businesses
• There are roughly 2M college grads today looking for jobs they can’t find
• At the beginning of 2010, unemployment is at record highs of 10%

What if some of those 2M grads or some of those 26M unemployed adults would have been exposed to entrepreneurialism at a young age? Would they be looking for jobs right now…or would they be creating jobs?

Our youth have nothing to lose.  They have a natural instinct to achieve, plan, and problem-solve.   We tend to think inside a box.  Our kids aren’t even aware that there is a box.  Their opportunities are endless.  Young entrepreneurs have amazing clarity, insight and confidence, and the number of successful business owners under the age of 20 are amazing. These entrepreneurs aren’t geniuses. They are simply kids who took a risk.

Our goal is to prepare the next generation to become more innovative, confident, self-aware, and create their futures, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. We do this in a fun, hands-on way that engages children and builds self-awareness.

Every aspect of the Little Green Money Machine interactive learning system can be tailored to a variety of educational programs, from high-risk students who require a different learning style to stay engaged or perhaps more hands-on opportunities, to gifted students who need an extra challenge. All the students in between will also benefit from this system as it provides a fun way to learn.

The Little Green Money Machine Solution

The Little Green Money Machine interactive learning system can be used in school systems, youth groups, and nonprofits and can be customized to accommodate the unique needs and desired outcomes of any group.

• School systems can tailor this system to all students, including high-risk students and gifted programs. They can incorporate this into core curriculum that covers math, social studies, and life skills, and/or non-core curriculum that teaches valuable soft skills. It can also be incorporated into current fundraisers and turn them into an educational yet fun and engaging service-learning project.

• Youth groups, non-profits, and community organizations who participate in educational initiatives can also easily integrate this into their projects.

• Homeschool parents will find that the Little Green Money Machine is an easy way to integrate an effective learning system into their child's educational goals.

• Families can integrate the Little Green Money Machine into a fun experience!

There are many ways to implement the Little Green Money Machine into your educational goals!

• Math
• Social Studies
• Economics
• Financial literacy
• Business
• Core-curriculum material
• Non-core curriculum material
• Title 1 programs
• Gifted programs
• Youth group activities
• Service learning projects
• Fundraising activities
• Community involvement
• Social entrepreneurship
• Family Activities

Del Visionaries is committed to improving education for all youth.  Check out our Scholarship Programs!

The Del Visionary Scholarship Award for High School Students

The Del Visionaries Scholarship Program is dedicated to creating future leaders and entrepreneurs. The fund was established to assist both traditional and non-traditional high school seniors accomplish their goals.  Click here for more information.

The Little Green Money Machine Scholarship Program

LGMM Kid of the Month winners are eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship for post-secondary education or to add to their business. Classrooms and youth groups can use the award towards their next business or fundraising project of their choice! Click here for more information.