DPI Financial Literacy Innovation Grant awarded to School District of Tomahawk

TOMAHAWK – Last week, School District of Tomahawk Administrator Wendell Quesinberry announced that the district received a $7,500 Financial Literacy Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

The funds will be used to introduce the Junior Achievement program and to vertically align the district’s financial literacy practices in all grade levels, according to Quesinberry.

The grant will cover all associated program fees, necessary materials, assessment tools, student workbooks and instructional resources, allowing the district to implement the program without affecting the district’s budget.

Quesinberry explained that Junior Achievement is a nationally recognized educational organization that focuses on financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship. The program provides valuable opportunities to reinforce classroom instruction while helping students connect their learning to real-world applications.

“Through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, students will develop practical skills in areas such as budgeting, saving, financial decision-making, career exploration and understanding how businesses and our economy operate,” Quesinberry stated. “These experiences will help students recognize the relevance of what they are learning in the classroom and better prepare them to make informed decisions about their education, careers and financial futures.”

Quesinberry noted that one of the aspects he finds most exciting is the program's potential to strengthen the district’s Academic and Career Planning (ACP) efforts while creating additional opportunities to connect classroom learning with the local business community.

“By exposing students to real-world financial situations and career opportunities, we can help them better understand the relationship between education, personal responsibility and future success,” Quesinberry said.

The initiative, Quesinberry added, also closely aligns with the district’s strategic plan – “particularly our commitment to Teaching, Learning and Relevance.” He also said the district continues to “look for meaningful ways to ensure our students understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters and how they can apply that knowledge beyond the classroom.”

“I am excited about the opportunities this program will provide our students and look forward to sharing updates as we move forward with implementation,” Quesinberry stated.