Purpose

Some students are thrown into the real, working world after high school, and are unsure of what
financial responsibilities they have and how to complete them. Showing the prevalence of
financial illiteracy will grab attention, to push for better financial education. This research will
analyze the prevalence of financial illiteracy, acknowledge different barriers that prevent
financial literacy, and analyze different measures to increase financial literacy for students of
Reservoir High School.
Research Question & Hypothesis
How can students interest in financial literacy be increased? How can different demographics be
taught similarly?
When asked about interest and knowledge of financial literacy the Reservoir student body will
have little interest and knowledge. They will show interest, but not enough interest to take
initiative and follow through.

Procedure & Methods

- Surveyed 100 Reservoir High School students of both genders in all four grades
of random classes.
- Students in AP, GT, Honors, and Regular level classes were surveyed.
- The survey had 23 questions of Circle the choice that represent you the best
- Recorded and analyzed data in Excel.
- Interviewed two professionals on financial management.
- According to my research, 92% of Reservoir students plan on attending college
after graduation.
- However, my research shows that only 24% of students are aware of these plans,
with only 9% stating insight of these plans.

Background of the Issue

Those who lack financial resources often find themselves at a disadvantage that only seems to
get progressively worse. It seems that those who lack financial resources are bombarded heavily
with new things that require money, especially students.
The ever so rising student debt is a serious financial burden that students carry with them when
they enter into the working world. Nearly 70% of college graduates in 2013 had an average of
$28,400 in student debt, according to US News. Thus, the impediment that is student debt is a
serious problem that 66% of Americans who attend college face.

Although college if a highly suggested step that leads to higher paying jobs and economic
mobility and stability, paying for college can derail ones path of financial stability even before
setting a foot in the real working world. Not attending college would cause social stigma
stereotype of the uneducated, which would be even more detrimental when in search for a job.
This problem is very widespread and can be observed on almost any social platform including
Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and more. The social sites are constantly bombarded
with college attendees who dreadfully complain about the overbearing financial burden.
Key Terms
- Financial literacy: Ability to manage financial resources to benefit and increase
financial
assets.
- Economic mobility: The action and ability to move up in the economic status/ to
increase net worth to a higher economic class.
- Economic class: The lower, middle, upper, and elite classes that are determined by
income and networth.
- Economic success: A level at which one can support himself financially.
- Financial advice: An advisory session at which the recipient can receive advice
pertinent to the field of finance that is relevant to them.

Results
- 30% of students currently have a job.
- About 60% of those who had jobs felt that they were at least a bit ready to take on
the financial responsibilities of being an adult.
- 20% of those who do not have jobs felt that they were at least a bit ready to take
on the financial responsibilities of being an adult.
- 46% of students are interested in learning about finance.
- 65% of students are worried about paying for college.
- 50% of students would attend a financial information session about saving for
college.
- 90% of students have not attended a financial literacy course.