Economic Awareness Council (EAC)

05/20/2026

OTM is hiring! 🚀 Do you live in Chicago? Are you between the ages of 18-24? Interested in business, finance, or entrepreneurship?
This could be your next great opportunity. Check out our summer internship program and help spread the word! Deadline to apply is this Friday, 5/22.

05/12/2026

Congratulations to our partners at Working Credit on being featured on the "Think Like a Saver" podcast by America Saves during America Saves Week this past April!

Working Credit is a fantastic partner in our work at City Colleges of Chicago and with the Alternative School Network — and this recognition is so well deserved.

We're also excited to be hosting events at City Colleges of Chicago and partnering with America Saves to support youth through Chicago Youth Works this summer.

If you missed it, the podcast episode is still available — check it out at the link below!
Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5iuHqI9D0un5YymdWXyuvH?si=k8PiYg9cSIeEIZB21WFQbg&nd=1&dlsi=c652e796bf5248bb

04/13/2026

Here’s a look at the early impact of our ASN events:

We’ve already hosted 6 events, reached 110 students, and supported 35 students in opening accounts.

Our initial student pre-assessments point to a strong need for basic financial tools and opportunities as only 51% of the students reported being banked and 27% of the students reported having a savings account at pre-test, reinforcing a strong need for this program.

While this is a small sample, it aligns with what we’re seeing firsthand: there is both a need—and a real opportunity—to build financial capability earlier.

We look forward to helping more students get banked through upcoming ASN events!

We are very grateful for support of the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Alternative School Network, and our program partners in making this work possible.

04/11/2026

Thank you to Republic Bank - an outstanding partner for over 10 years! Thank you also to board members Gayle and Kaelan!

Republic Bank is proud to support the Economic Awareness Council and their mission to prepare students and families for the economic and financial decisions they will make both today and tomorrow. ✨

Economic Awareness Council (EAC)

04/11/2026

We’re excited to spotlight Christi Wright, EAC Intern Alumni and current ABLE Education Program Manager, who will be presenting at this Saturday’s Teen Budgeting, Saving, and Investing event alongside the South Suburban Mentoring Program for 100 Black Men. Thank you Christi and thank you to 100 Black Men for planning meaningful programs youth!

We can’t wait to see the impact this session will have on local teens!

04/10/2026

Thank you to our State Farm volunteers—including State Farm Agents Vic Portillo, Angelica Garcilazo, Cynthia Slater, Nick Kosiek, and Jeffrey Hines—for speaking with students at Kelly High School in Chicago.

Together, these volunteers provided insurance education to over 300 students! We are so grateful for the continued support of State Farm in making financial education possible for students across Chicago.

04/08/2026

Braden is one of our 2025 Be Pay Day Ready Scholarship Winners, and we’re excited to highlight all he has learned through financial education and entrepreneurship.

Want to Intern like Braden as a Money Mentor for Summer 2026? Check out our application at https://www.onthemoneymagazine.org/opportunities

https://www.facebook.com/onthemoneychi/

04/06/2026

We’re excited to share an update on our recent work with the Alternative School Network!

Through a series of Chicago City Key events and school-based sessions, we’re helping students open bank accounts and build foundational financial literacy skills—creating accessible entry points to long-term financial stability.

From larger collaborations, like a recent event with the Chicago City Clerk’s Office at Kennedy King College, to smaller in-school sessions, students are learning, asking questions, and taking meaningful first steps toward their financial futures.

We’re grateful to our funder, the Wells Fargo Foundation, our partners and the Alternative School Network schools who make this work possible.

03/18/2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day! We were🍀to get to work with students at Bogan High School this year. Check out all of their many learnings from understanding investing to the importance of insurance, how to build credit, etc.

12/12/2025

We are so grateful for the support of State Farm Insurance Corporation and our long-time volunteer, State Farm Territory Manager, Jon Guderjan. Jon always inspires our interns and all graduation attendees with his comments. Thank you for your commitment and service to our students and On The Money interns. Lisa Cooper