Accelerating Economic Mobility through Experiential Learning in the Classroom
In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, we spoke with Marisa Matthies, Director of Development at Junior Achievement of Chicago, about simulating real-world experiences in the classroom to help students develop the critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication and technical literacy skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.
Tell us about your organization and its mission. What does it mean to you?
Junior Achievement is dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Not only are we teaching students the fundamentals of economic education, but we are also empowering them to make smart decisions and own their futures. We support students who have been historically underserved, meeting them where they are and equipping them with practical tools to navigate their finances and future.
You reach over 4.4 million students nationally. What is the most inspiring “lightbulb moment” you’ve seen where a student realized that financial literacy is the key to “opening doors” that were previously closed to them?
One of the most inspiring “lightbulb moments” comes from our Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge, where students participate in a real‑time market simulation. We’ve heard students say the experience opened their eyes to the importance of diversifying their portfolios, choosing investments with long‑term potential, weighing the pros and cons of potential risk and understanding how strategy drives success, both professionally and personally. Through this experience, students begin to see how smart investing and financial literacy can help them build wealth and create opportunities for future success.
How does seeing a student build a “mock business” through your programs give you hope that the next generation will be more financially savvy and resilient than those before them?
Through Junior Achievement’s historic Company Program, high school students are tasked with filling a need or solving a problem in their community by creating their own (mock) business. In the process, they gain the practical skills required to conceptualize, launch and manage their own business ventures. Seeing a student build a mock business shows how deeply they are learning skills that go far beyond the classroom. Students begin to think like real entrepreneurs, identifying real‑world problems, developing innovative solutions and adapting when challenges arise. Along the way, students learn budgeting, financial decision‑making, teamwork, leadership and collaboration.
Students often describe the experience as a “real‑world trial run,” where they learn what it means to imagine an idea, set goals, manage money and take responsibility for outcomes. Watching them collaborate, track finances, learn from mistakes and grow more confident in their ability to lead a business and problem‑solve is incredibly powerful.
Most importantly, they leave understanding that running a successful business isn’t just about profit; it’s about integrity, teamwork and creating a positive impact within their own communities. That mindset shift gives us real confidence in the next generation’s ability to navigate an ever‑changing global economy.
As the economy becomes more digital, what is the most inspiring way you’ve seen a student use technology to master a complex financial concept this year?
One of the most inspiring ways we’ve seen students use technology is through “Metaversity” – an immersive platform that brings financial concepts to life through real-world application.
Designed for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, Metaversity uses the metaverse and game-based technology to support career exploration and the development of life skills. Within this secure, interactive digital environment, students explore careers, engage in realistic scenarios and build foundational skills in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship.
What stands out most is how students are introduced to complex financial concepts through experience in an accessible and engaging way. They begin to understand concepts such as budgeting, decision-making and financial responsibility in ways that feel relevant and tangible. This approach demystifies financial literacy early while building confidence and curiosity, as students start to connect what they’re learning today to the opportunities they can pursue tomorrow.
At Enova, giving back is a big part of our culture and who we are. Our Enova Gives program focuses on partnering with organizations to make financial education and resources more accessible and provides team members with the opportunity to give back.