Part 2: Exploring Ways to Use the MEPC Self-Sufficiency Calculator Tool
May 4th, 2011
Tuesday, we looked at two of the ways the MEPC online Self-Sufficiency Calculator can be utilized to assist students entering college and community organizations. Today, we conclude our two-part series with a closer look at how the calculator can be used by teachers in secondary education and as a tool for financial literacy outreach and education focused on individuals within the community.
Life Skills & Economic Teachers and High School Classes: Take advantage of the free lesson plans, pre-tests and worksheets developed just for the Self-Sufficiency Calculator on the Mississippi Association of Economic Educators website. Lesson plans give a step-by-step guide for a number of ways to use the calculator in class. Lessons cover topics such as needs versus wants, budgeting, searching for college programs, and keeping up with monthly expenses. All lesson plans are free and available for download anytime.
Financial Education & Outreach: With a small group of college students or adults, open the discourse with an examination of needs versus wants. Identify the basic needs that all people must meet for economic safety and security. Then, use the calculator to determine how much those basic needs cost for one adult and calculate how needs change as you have children or relocate to a different county. Use the wage tool just below the calculator to walk individuals through a variety of career choices and educational options while discussing whether they potentially pay enough to reach self-sufficiency. After career choices have been made, individuals can find jobs in demand by county and search for job training providers using the links at the bottom of the page. Templates for creating a “Self-Sufficiency Discussion” are available by request.
For more information on how to use the Self-Sufficiency Calculator one-on-one, in a small group, with your community organization or for a classroom, contact Sarah Welker, Policy Analyst.
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