UA Professor Teaches the ABCs of Money

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — While many students use summer vacation as an opportunity to spend money, a group of middle-schoolers are spending two weeks at The University of Alabama learning skills that will pay dividends.

Camp Cash, a two-week program beginning June 21 and concluding July 2, teaches the importance of money management and budgeting. Students must be enrolled in grades six through nine and have an A/B average.

According to Jan Brakefield, assistant professor of consumer sciences and leader of the camp, a summer camp focused on money management really pays off for the student and the family.

“Teaching techniques like delayed gratification and building a savings account can save the family money now, but more importantly, lead young people down a path of wise financial planning in the future,” says Brakefield.

Currently in its third year, Camp Cash helps campers develop essential money management skills, experience college life, and enhance confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills. In addition to the grade requirement, qualified campers must be motivated to work hard. Topics include financial goal setting, budgeting, credit use, investing, insurance, wealth accumulation and career planning.

The department of consumer sciences is part of the College of Human Environmental Sciences, a professional school with a focus on enhancing the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. Throughout its history, the College has achieved a national reputation for excellence through the quality of its academic programs and faculty who are recognized as scholars and leaders in the generation of both basic and applied research.