Financial Confidence for Youth: Community-Partnered Support at The Grove

It’s all about the money, money, money. However, statistics dictate a rather concerning reality.

In a study done last year, sixty percent of young Canadians felt they lacked the financial knowledge necessary to succeed financially after graduation. Even though classrooms remain the most effective location for teaching and learning key life skills, our educational systems seem to fall behind in teaching financial literacy to youth. This lack of knowledge is more than inconvenient, it affects youth and their lives beyond the classroom and can be a make-or-break factor in finding financial well-being in adulthood.  

November is Financial Literacy Month, a time dedicated to bringing awareness to the importance of financial education in our communities. 

Positive change is on the horizon. This fall was the first semester of a new curriculum in Ontario where Grade 10 students will be required to write and succeed on the financial literacy test. “Our bottom line: ensuring students graduate with practical learning that leads them to better jobs and bigger paycheques," said the former Minister of Education Stephen Leece at a press conference in May of 2024. Similarly, The Grove’s bottom line is ensuring that youth wellness continues to stay at the forefront of our focus. 

With these big changes comes the need for youth to quickly adapt, and that is what The Grove is here for, providing youth access to the resources they need to succeed, including financial literacy support. 

Throughout the year we provide youth with many opportunities to hear from experts on financial wellness. Last month, our Erin site held a weekly financial planning workshop hosted by Rob Wright, an experienced financial consultant. Within this workshop, Rob discussed financial facts vs myths, how to achieve financial freedom and other useful tips. In September, Scotiabank, one of our partners, hosted a financial literacy presentation for all post-secondary students returning to school. 

We are partnered with many organizations, who offer their time and knowledge to help youth at the Grove feel more confident in their finances. We understand that setting youth up for success involves providing support in many different aspects of a young person's life. Financial literacy is one of those aspects, collaborating with financial experts, The Grove ensures that well-being is being considered at a holistic level. 

Stay tuned to our program calendar for our next financial literacy presentations and programming.  

Youth who want to get connected to learn more about financial wellness email us at hello@thegrovehubs.ca or, call The Grove at 1-833-43-GROVE (47683).