Personal Finance


Financial Literacy: Taking Charge in Uncertain Times

By on June 26th, 2020

We’ve all heard the statistics. Even before the global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the economy, a study showed 44 percent of Americans didn’t have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency, and 56 percent had less than $10,000 in retirement savings. More than ever, students need life skills like financial literacy to help them make sound decisions for their future. 

Continue reading

Five FLVS Electives That Teach Life Skills

By on September 5th, 2017

This article was originally written and published in the FLVS student newspaper, News in a Click

Despite money management being a highly important life skill, a survey conducted in 2016 states that only 17 states in the US require a personal finance class to graduate high school. This has remained unchanged since 2014. Luckily, FLVS offers a “Personal and Family Finance” class to help prepare students for graduation. This is only one of many important electives that FLVS offers! Continue reading


To Program or Not to Program?

By on August 31st, 2017

To program, or not to program? That is the question. If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t learned to program yet – but if you’re like most people, you probably should.

Many people don’t learn about programming because they think it doesn’t relate to their personal or career interests. After all, not everyone wants to be a professional programmer, right? However, should a person take a finance class only if he/she is going to be an accountant? Continue reading


Military Crossroads with Career and Technical Education (CTE)

By on May 26th, 2017

Michael Francis

Michael Francis, U.S. Army Sergeant

From 2000 to 2004, I was an active duty Soldier in the United States Army and have been in the Florida Army National Guard since 2005.

There are many parts of my military career that stand out in my memory. Basic training, my drill sergeant during the hot summer at Fort Jackson, being in my promotion board during the September 11 attacks, being deployed during multiple state emergencies, and so much more. Most recently, and regardless of political platform, I was honored to play a role in our democracy by providing security support for the 2017 Presidential Inauguration in D.C.

However, these memories and events are not what changed me the most.

Instead, it is the military’s connection with CTE that has been the most valuable. That connection positively affected my personal life, my educational pursuits, and my civilian career.

Although military life is not for everyone, the skills and knowledge that are integrated within CTE are for everyone, whether an Army future is in the cards or not.

Continue reading


12 Months of Life Skills for Student Success

By on January 13th, 2017

Life Skills for StudentsAs we start a new year, educators and parents all have a common goal for 2017 – to ensure that our children have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful for college and a future career.

What if we each set a goal to teach our students one skill a month?

If all of our students put this plan into action today, can you imagine the impact we could make on our future generation?

Today’s workplace values creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills. Managing time, setting goals, handling stress, and a variety of other skills can help students succeed in all of these areas.

Ready to get started? Check out the guide below and set reminders on your phone or calendar to help you stay on track.  Continue reading