Our Programs
Financial Literacy Workshops for Arkansas Youth
Financial Futures of Arkansas hosts free, interactive financial literacy workshops for Arkansas youth ages 14–19.
Using FDIC Money Smart financial education curriculum, our workshops give students practical opportunities to learn about budgeting, saving, banking, credit, income, financial goals, entrepreneurship, and preparing for adult financial responsibilities.
Proud Member of the FDIC Money Smart Alliance
Financial Futures of Arkansas uses the FDIC Money Smart financial education curriculum to help deliver high-quality financial literacy education to Arkansas youth.
How Our Programs Work
We Plan the Workshop
Financial Futures of Arkansas selects an age-appropriate financial topic, schedules the workshop, secures the location, and prepares the necessary materials and activities..
We Open Student Registration
Workshop information is announced through our website, social media pages, community partners, schools, churches, libraries, and youth organizations
Parents, guardians, and eligible students can complete the workshop registration form while space is available.
Students Attend & Participate
Students take part in guided lessons, group discussions, interactive activities, and realistic financial scenarios using FDIC Money Smart educational resources.
We Continue Building Financial Skills
Participants are encouraged to attend future workshops covering additional financial topics. Parents and students may join our interest list to receive announcements when new workshops are scheduled.
Who Can Participate
Financial Futures of Arkansas workshops are designed for Arkansas youth ages 14–19.
Workshops may be separated by age or grade level when necessary so that the lessons, examples, and activities are appropriate for the participating students.
Participation is free, but advance registration may be required because seating and workshop materials are limited.
Participants under age 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian. Additional participation requirements will be included with each workshop announcement.
FDIC Money Smart Financial Education Program
A Trusted Financial Education Curriculum
Financial Futures of Arkansas delivers many of its youth financial literacy workshops using the FDIC Money Smart curriculum, a nationally recognized financial education program developed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Money Smart provides engaging, research-based lessons that help participants develop practical financial skills they can use throughout their lives. The curriculum is designed to build confidence while teaching responsible financial decision-making through interactive activities and real-world examples.
Why We Use FDIC Money Smart
We chose the FDIC Money Smart curriculum because it is:
Developed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Evidence-based and widely respected
Used by schools, nonprofits, financial institutions, and community organizations nationwide
Designed to build practical, real-world financial skills
Available at no cost to participants
Our Approach
While Financial Futures of Arkansas uses the FDIC Money Smart curriculum as a foundation for many workshops, we also incorporate interactive discussions, hands-on activities, local resources, and guest speakers to create engaging learning experiences for Arkansas youth.
Financial Futures of Arkansas is an independent nonprofit organization. The FDIC does not sponsor, endorse, or operate Financial Futures of Arkansas.
Workshop Topics
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Banking basics, checking and savings accounts, debit cards, and avoiding fees.
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Understanding loans, responsible borrowing, and how debt works.
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Credit cards, interest, credit scores, and responsible credit use.
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Saving money, emergency funds, and building healthy financial habits.
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Identity theft, scams, fraud prevention, and online safety
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Building, maintaining, and repairing credit.
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How values, emotions, and advertising affect spending decisions.
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SMART goals, budgeting, and planning for the future.
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Preparing for buying a vehicle, renting, or purchasing a home.
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Paychecks, taxes, employee benefits, and career planning.
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Business basics, starting a business, and financial responsibility for entrepreneurs.
What Students Can Expect
Financial Futures of Arkansas workshops are designed to be practical, welcoming, and interactive.
Depending on the workshop topic, students may participate in:
Instructor-led financial education lessons
Budgeting and financial decision-making activities
Real-world financial scenarios
Small-group discussions
Worksheets and participant guides
Questions and answers with community professionals
Short pre-workshop and post-workshop evaluations
Take-home financial education resources
No financial products or services will be sold to students during our workshops.
Workshop Facilitators and Guest Speakers
Workshops are organized and administered by Financial Futures of Arkansas using selected FDIC Money Smart educational materials.
Financial Futures of Arkansas facilitators lead the lessons and activities. Qualified bankers, credit-union representatives, accountants, entrepreneurs, educators, insurance professionals, and other community professionals may be invited to share practical knowledge or participate as guest speakers.
Guest speakers must support the selected workshop topic, provide educational information, and refrain from selling or promoting products and services to participating students.