SparkWheel receives $25,000 from Office of the State Bank Commissioner to provide financial education

TOPEKA—SparkWheel has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Office of the State Bank Commissioner to support its FutureNow: Finance program. The funding will allow SparkWheel to deliver its signature interactive financial education workshops to middle and high school students across Kansas.  

FutureNow: Finance is hosted in collaboration with SparkWheel’s partner schools, providing lifestyle scenarios to help students prepare for real world financial responsibilities. During the workshops, volunteers representing a variety of professional fields guide students through lifestyle scenarios, helping them make decisions related to housing, transportation, childcare, groceries, utilities, and medical care. Students also explore budgeting for savings, charitable giving, and unexpected expenses such as accidents or repairs.  

“The Office of the State Bank Commissioner’s investment in SparkWheel underscores the importance of financial literacy for young people. FutureNow: Finance is a fun event with a serious purpose,” said Malissa Martin, President and CEO. “While many students are years away from making these types of decisions, the program heightens their understanding of personal finance and leaves a lasting impression.” 

Last year, SparkWheel recorded more than 3400 instances of students participating in FutureNow: Finance programs across Kansas. Events were hosted at schools in Topeka, Ottawa, Emporia, Pittsburg, Independence, Garden City, Neodesha and El Dorado. In Topeka, SparkWheel also receives funding from United Way of Kaw Valley to deliver the program locally.  

 About SparkWheel: SparkWheel is a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers, filling unmet needs, and helping students and families thrive. We serve more than 30,000 students in K-12, early childhood, and post-secondary programs in 60 schools across Kansas and Missouri. For more information, visit www.sparkwheel.org 

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